Public Opinion
Almost 3 quarters of Americans polled favor the use of medical marijuana. Americans overwhelmingly believe that doctors should be allowed to prescribe the drug in a controlled manner to those in real need, and to those for who medical marijuana can ease some suffering.
In response to this increase in public approval, congress has been getting successively closer (increasing yes votes) to legislation that will make it easier for the decriminalization of medical marijuana for those in need.
Although there are certain medical organizations which do not call for medical marijuana (most notably the AMA) a majority of public health groups do favor its use in a controlled manner.
Problems
One of the most significant challenges facing medial marijuana within the American health care system regards it's composition as a natural plant. The FDA approval process, and indeed the entire medical industry, is not designed to accept medications from outside of the pharmaceutical industry. No one can patent a plant, there is no money to be made off of its use, and there is little incentive for anyone to lobby for its acceptance.
Additionally, because so many millions of Americans do smoke marijuana for non medical reasons, there is a legitimate fear of broadening access to the drug, and possibly losing control over its distribution. No one wants to see more marijuana available to those who would abuse it, and even though it does seem to offer legitimate medical efficacy, the risks of abuse make it politically problematic.
Should You Use Medical Marijuana?
Medical marijuana is illegal, and if you do decide to use the drug, you must be aware of the risks of prosecution. You may decide that legal risks are an acceptable price to pay for a drug that may offer significant symptoms relief, and allow you better health and a better quality of life. Before trying medical marijuana you should talk with your doctor about your suitability for marijuana therapy. He or she may not be able to prescribe or even recommend its use, but they will be able to inform you better of medical marijuana's relevance for your symptoms expression.
Medical marijuana is a valid choice for those in real need but although marijuana may serve a beneficial function for people with certain health conditions, marijuana is not a beneficial drug for anyone who does not explicitly require it for symptoms relief. Because medical marijuana can help some people does not make marijuana a good idea for all people.
page last update Aug 05, 2010
