cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana Debates Light Up





Medical Marijuana Debates Light Up
Posted by FoM on February 28, 2001 at 09:50:06 PT
By Shawn M. Proctor
Source: Advance for Respiratory Care Practitioners
Legalizing the use of marijuana for medical treatments has followers and detractors. At this time, the issue is rife with tangled information, with both sides using the same studies to prove their conflicting points. Even as words fly, an upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision due soon may finally settle some of the dust. Still, new drugs in the pipeline might have a big impact in the future. Among them, an arm patch or inhaler might deliver marijuana's chief ingredient medicinally. 
If that sounds odd, then consider a typical pharmacy line. Today it is common for patients to present prescriptions for Allegra or Viagra. If pro-medical marijuana forces prevail in court, patients might be able to hand over a script for marijuana cigarettes, commonly known as "joints" on the street trade. At least, that is the picture a growing community of patients, physicians and pundits would paint. Pot Handles: Leading champion on the pro side of the issue is author Lester Grinspoon, MD, professor of psychiatry emeritus at Harvard Medical School, and chairman of the National Organization for Rational Marijuana Legislation http://norml.org (NORML) Foundation. "The future of cannabis as a medicine is assured," he said. Currently he maintains a web site http://rxmarijuana.com/ which contains supporting data from patients and doctors. Marijuana will eventually be considered a wonder drug, Grinspoon told ADVANCE. "After three years of intensive study, I have come to conclusion that smoked marijuana is less harmful than alcohol or tobacco." Marijuana--known by a plethora of slang names like pot, weed, Buddha and reefer-is a green-gray plant, which is often smoked. Experts believe the active ingredient in marijuana, or cannabis as it is also known, is THC, also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Marijuana induces a euphoric high in a smoker and may have some health benefits to counteract any perceived hazards. Anecdotal evidence indicates cannabis may have the following medicinal values: * Reduces nausea, * Stimulates appetite in wasting patients, * Reduces eye pressure in glaucoma patients, * Reduces pain, * Steadies spastic muscles, and * Helps prevent seizures. However, there are dangers accompanying the smoking of the drug, according to 1997 and 1999 studies by the Institute of Medicine ( IOM ). Perils include: * Throat and lung cancer, * Disrupted short-term memory, and * Suppressed immune defenses, causing chronic bronchitis. IOM's studies concluded marijuana probably causes too many reactions in the body to be prescribed safely. Marijuana is hazardous for long-term use and its medical benefits are not entirely proven, IOM stresses. Joints For Ailing Joints: Grinspoon contests those allegations. "This drug is not nearly as toxic as the U.S. government would have you believe," he said. "It is remarkably non-toxic drug. There has never been a death recorded due to marijuana," Grinspoon asserted. "It will be an inexpensive medicine, possibly as low as one dollar per marijuana cigarette. Lastly, it is versatile. Like penicillin, it is able to treat a great many conditions." George McMahon, a long-time medical marijuana patient, agrees with that assessment. The Lake Palestine, Texas, man suffers from Nail Patella Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes joints to be malformed or missing at birth and to degenerate prematurely. http://www.trvnet.net/~mmcmahon/McMahon was born without kneecaps, and medical marijuana allows him moments of pain-free existence. "Without marijuana I wouldn't have a quality of life," he said. For example, he can mows his small lawn over the course of a couple days when he uses marijuana. "I talk to everyone and try to explain this." Currently, he smokes 300 marijuana cigarettes a month and claims the treatment is legal. His doctor petitioned the federal government and eventually won the right for him to receive a monthly dosage. He was the fifth of 15 patients approved, and currently one of eight remaining. Since patients in the program are considered terminal, many have died since their enrollment. "I believe marijuana is the drug needed by a large portion of people using pharmaceuticals like synthetic THC and pain relievers," he said. "It is a wonderful medicine." Any discussion about legalizing cannabis brings challengers to the foreground. Among the staunchest anti-legalization advocates are the Partnership for a Drug-Free America and the White House. He Didn't Inhale: The Office of National Drug Control Policy in the White House advises the President about drug-related concerns. Because marijuana has a high potential for abuse and a lack of accepted medical use, the executive branch opposes the use of "marijuana outside of authorized research," according to materials outlined in the 2001 national drug control strategic report. White House officials, under President Clinton, advised states considering medical marijuana ballot initiatives to counter such moves on the basis that legalizing marijuana would "undermine the scientific process for establishing safe and effective medicines." In a recent Rolling Stone interview, Clinton said he personally favored the legalization of use and sale of small amounts of marijuana. McMahon bristled at Clinton's public comment. His lack of interest in the topic or action during his eight years in office is not easily wiped away, he said. More people have been arrested for using marijuana under Clinton administration than any other president, and words will not change the past, he added. Debate could come to a head in U.S. Supreme Court this summer, when the case of the federal government versus an Oakland cannabis cooperative will be heard. The issue is the California Proposition legalizing medical marijuana against the current federal policy forbidding sale and use of the drug. Weed War: Another bone up for grabs is a definitive interpretation of the IOM reports which note: "Until researchers develop a safe and effective delivery system, caregivers must consider the health problems that can result from smoking when deciding whether to recommend marijuana to patients." Still, the reports concede: "The adverse effects of marijuana are within the range of other tolerated medicines." Both sides have declared the reports a victory and added them to their list of cited materials. NORML claims the studies verify the drug's utility as a treatment. The IOM could not be reached for clarification. Although he stresses that his role is as a patient telling his story, McMahon agrees with NORML's interpretation. "It is good medicine and the IOM says it is." By sharp contrast, the White House, citing the IOM report, is promoting the concept marijuana has no future as a medicine. "I'm not sure where the legalizers are getting this information out of this report," said White House spokeswoman Jennifer de Vallance. "The report concluded marijuana has harmful toxins and does not meet dosage requirements." Furthermore, the availability of Marinol( R ), a synthetic formulation of THC, makes arguments over smoked marijuana irrelevant. Marinol marks another battleground. Marinol, marketed by Unimed Pharmaceuticals, has been touted by a number of anti-marijuana groups as a perfect treatment. The drug has received FDA approval as an appetite stimulant for HIV/AIDS patients and as an antiemetic to stem nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy. As on other issues, the sides divide evenly about Marinol. The FDA and the White House tout it as a middle ground, a safer solution than outright legalization. However, marijuana advocates do not agree. No Quarter Given: Grinspoon feels, while it can help, Marinol pales when compared to its natural predecessor. "Marinol is not nearly as useful as whole, smoked marijuana," he said. Some, like McMahon, have concerns about its origin as well. "I do not believe it is even part of the answer," he said. "It is a synthetic drug. Some people get no effect; some are completely disoriented. It is just not the same." Chiming in on the side of continued scientific exploration, the American Medical Association ( AMA ) does not currently advocate legalization. In a position statement on the topic, the organization notes one key component to patient care is the free exchange of information, including that about alternative treatment options, without the threat of criminal sanctions. "Adequate and well-controlled studies of smoked marijuana must be conducted in patients who have serious conditions for which pre-clinical, anecdotal, or controlled evidence suggests possible efficacy," noted the AMA paper. AMA officials have urged the National Institutes of Health to spearhead the effort, by facilitating grant applications and conducting well-designed clinical research. Studies should focus on the creation of a smokeless delivery system to reduce the health hazards involved. The AMA plans to discuss the issue further at its annual meeting in June. Future Shock: Medical marijuana's future remains uncertain. The federal government will likely continue on its opposition path unless or until the Supreme Court ruling countermands the current regulations. Similarly, legalization supporters will explore every angle of attack, hoping for a breakthrough. Marijuana patches, pills or inhalers could signal a compromise between full or medical legalization and absolute denial of the drug to patients who claim its benefits far outweigh its health risks. Grinspoon, in a Boston Globe OP-ED piece, foresaw one possible future outcome. He proposed a system where the pill and patches and other alternative delivery devices will be available. However, for patients who need it, he would still like to see the actual cannabis plant be made available, free of legal ties. "Medical marijuana is here to stay. The question is what form it might take," Grinspoon said. Note: Patients, Physicians Draw Line In The Sand.Shawn M. Proctor is an ADVANCE editorial assistant. News Article Courtesy Of MapInc.http://mapinc.org/drugnews/v01/n354/a03.htmlSource: Advance for Respiratory Care Practitioners (US)Author: Shawn M. ProctorPublished: February 26, 2001Copyright: 2001, Merion Publications, Inc.Address: 2900 Horizon Dr., King of Prussia, PA 19406Fax: (610) 278-1425Contact: venge merion.comWebsite: http://www.advanceforrcp.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #4 posted by GEORGE m on April 12, 2001 at 16:41:12 PT:
Many thanks. 
Seeing All the comments I am moved . greatful as I am for Drs. Grinspoon and Russo. I am so greatful for all the people who see the truth, It is you who are winning. Keep teaching we will.George McMahon
take a ride on the links to see all the information then decide
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 28, 2001 at 10:48:27 PT
Woo Woo For Dr. Russo!
I just had to say that.
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Comment #2 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on February 28, 2001 at 10:41:04 PT:
George
Thanks, Neutrino. You're the only subatomic particle I know.I wanted to say something about George McMahon, a wonderful human being. George is one of my heroes, because he has his medicine through the Compassionate Use IND (closed by the Feds in 1992 to new applicants), but yet, continues to spread the word about benefits of clinical cannabis. George and his wife are unwilling to accept that their affected family members with the same affliction are denied the same medicine. They are very vocal about it. Where is equal protection under the law? 
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Comment #1 posted by Neutrino on February 28, 2001 at 10:12:14 PT
Dr. Grinspoon and Dr. Russo
It is remarkable and refreshing to see notable professionals such as Dr. Grinspoon and Dr. Russo take a stand and not be afraid to state the truth about cannabis as this is what the prohibitionists fear the most. We are making progress.
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