Medical marijuana: Medical necessity versus political agenda

Abstract

SummaryMarijuana is classified by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as an illegal Schedule I drug which has no accepted medical use. However, recent studies have shown that medical marijuana is effective in controlling chronic non-cancer pain, alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, treating wasting syndrome associated with AIDS, and controlling muscle spasms due to multiple sclerosis. These studies state that the alleviating benefits of marijuana outweigh the negative effects of the drug, and recommend that marijuana be administered to patients who have failed to respond to other therapies. Despite supporting evidence, the DEA refuses to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug, which would allow physicians to prescribe marijuana to suffering patients. The use of medical marijuana has continued to gain support among states, and is currently legal in 16 states and the District of Columbia. This is in stark contrast to the federal government’s stance of zero-tolerance, which has led to a heated legal debate in the United States. After reviewing relevant scientific data and grounding the issue in ethical principles like beneficence and nonmaleficence, there is a strong argument for allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana. Patients have a right to all beneficial treatments and to deny them this right violates their basic human rights.

Marijuana: Current Concepts†

“…Movements are increasing to legalize this drug, because of the research noting positive medical benefits as well as the intense euphoria it produces along with a popular, though false impression that this is a “safe” drug (8, 9). Cannabis remains a controversial drug, because its illegal status places it in conflict with the popular notion that pot is a harmless chemical – a notion made fashionable or trendy by many media and Hollywood personalities who may promote its use to enhance their joie de vivre .…”

“…Dronabinol is a synthesized gelatin capsule which has been used to treat glaucoma by lowering intraocular pressure or relieve chemotherapy-induced emesis ( vida infra ) (66). Marijuana has been used to treat the wasting syndrome associated with HIV/AIDS (9). A newer tablet formulation of THC is Namisol (>98% THC) which has been studied to ameliorate pain and spasms in adults with multiple sclerosis as well as relieve nausea, and emesis in HIV or cancer patients (67).…”

Endocannabinoid signals in the developmental programming of delayed-onset neuropsychiatric and metabolic illnesses

“…The appetite-stimulating effects of CB 1 R signalling have been used successfully to control weight loss in wasting syndromes, cancer and HIV/AIDS [76]. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects on food intake have only been elucidated in the last two decades.…”

Cross‐Border Reproductive Care: Two Lenses in Political Science

“…At the same time, it may be that such claims provide tactical advantages within the context of debates rooted not only in neoliberal economic arguments that seek to shift financial responsibility for reproductive care to individuals, but to stave off moral objections as well, especially in the case of abortion. As Clark, Capuzzi, and Fick () note with regard to a different health policy question—that of medical marijuana—“Patients have a right to all beneficial treatments and to deny them this right violates their basic human rights.” The extent to which such an appeal will succeed is a political question.…”