No matter where you stand on this issue, a topic worth exploration without pre existing bias. I have no doubts there are legit medical uses for various compounds found in Marijuana - some of which are only now being examined in any depth - and it needs to be funded and studies by the NIH and or other major university level labs. Current control status and stigma prevents most medical researchers from touching it, but that appears to be changing. For those interested, some worthwhile resources that may be of value.
The endocannabinoid system for example is a fast emerging area of research. Several compounds found in cannabis (Phytocannabinoids) directly impact this system. The best known of course is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the most psychoactive of them. Others however appear to have direct effects and benefits, and having no
psychoactive effects, such as cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN) which appear to have anti inflammatory and possible anti cancer
effects. Various pharma companies are looking into compounds that target receptors in Endocannabinoid System and is an Emerging Target of Pharmacotherapy for
a wide range of human diseases.
Info on the endocannabinoid system HERE
Possible studies of interest HERE
This series was well done I thought. These are anecdotal discussions with users and med/sci types, but more than compelling enough that we need to move forward with additional legit study and less agenda and bias in my view and separate the topic from those who just want to get stoned from those with legit medical need:
I don’t doubt there are legit uses for it. My problem with it is everyone I know on MMJ was a stoner growing up and are doing nothing but looking for a legal way to get high as part of the bad back brigade or migraine mafia and “weed is the only thing that helps man”. I’m sure there are plenty who don’t fall into that crowd, but not among the people I personally know.
I am not aware of any randomized prospective studies in any of the peer-reviewed literature that provides evidence that there is any legitimate medical indication for cannabis. I would never “prescribe” it for that reason, not to mention the fact that it’s illegal at the Federal level.
That doesn’t mean I don’t think it should be decriminalized, just that the medical angle is bullshit. Based on what we know so far.
There’s more substantiation than many docs may realize but per my intro, what’s clearly needed is additional study examining the various compounds and if they’re effective for diseases for which they appear effective.
This is my feelings on it as well. I agree there should be more studies, but at the same time I’d wish someone would find a way to bring it to the same level as cigars or cigarettes. I’m so tired of the hippy crowd and the “dazed & confused” groupies. This is the major reason I wish to leave Colorado.
FWIW, a dear family friend is going thru the final stages of prostate cancer. Docs are working with him to not only make his time here comfortable, but productive, and worth living as well.
We’re trying to get him to his granddaughter’s wedding in May. The high CBD/CBN products are helping, and the lower THC levels make the experience less intense. He says it’s on the level of a glass of wine.
Because of the disparity between state, federal, and even local laws, it’s easier for his family to procure what he needs in their home states and then bring it to him. So now they’re crossing state lines with schedule 1 items to help a septuagenarian with terminal cancer. It’s the epitome of “you’ve gotta be kidding me.” It also means everyone buys in bulk and drives for hours, because TSA/DEA/****ME.
I’d rant about the who’s, why’s, and whatever’s, but shaking my righteous fist of indignation at the interwebs is less than futile.
If anyone’s interested, here’s a pretty good article on edibles -
I’d encourage you and others to watch that show I posted also. I concur the family should not have to have to risk jail to get it to him if he’s finding it helpful.
I’d suggest hanging around some people who suffered traumatic spinal injuries. A number of them who battled with legal opioid addiction and how much better their lives are now that they are using only marijuana for pain relief. It helps people live better. And if some stoners want to use the medical excuse for their night blindness, who cares?
There seems to be a number of conditions where Cannabis is of value and I have heard reports from both clinicians and users that Cannabis helped greatly with their condition(s). Whether there’s better options and or there’s a placebo aspect to it, I don’t know. Hence, more research is warranted badly.
It can’t be prescribed since prescriptive authority is based on a license from the DEA and a Schedule I drug can’t be prescribed. Doctors can, if they’re willing to expose themselves to the considerable risks, provide an “authorization” to purchase or possess if the state where they’re licensed provides for such a thing.
Thats right, I forgot about that. I’ll revise my comment and say that a patient shouldn’t need a doctors recommendation or authorization if they want to try MMJ. In Colorado for instance you can just go to a dispensary.
Medical cannabis is available in this state, only liquid or pill form. There are three distribution centers around the state. Annual registration fee of $200, plus the fee for the product at point of sale. No insurance coverage obviously. Practitioners that want to authorize it have to be certified by the state. I don’t know of any doctors that have signed up to authorize, nor do I know of any hospitals around here that have authorized its use within the facility. I know of a few practices where it’s been voted as prohibited for practitioners to authorize, and a few hospitals where they specifically prohibit it on the premises.
Whether such regulation should or shouldn’t imposed is moot. It is, and it doesn’t look like that’s changing any time soon. Until and unless cannabis is removed from Schedule 1, it will be fringe medicine and something most doctors will stay well clear of.
If I were a doc, I wouldn’t risk my license on Anecdotes either. Having said that, I posit there’s more data than most realize, but clearly, additional and large scale studies need to be conducted, and until the legal aspects get squared away, it will not happen.
I kinda see it all as BS and a reason for people to get high. I personally think that the placebo effect is what it comes down to. If I was high as shit I wouldn’t be worried about my back being sore or what have you.
It’s just not for me, I guess if you say it helps you, then fine. But I’m still gonna judge you as a pothead. No offense to the stoners out there
So you judge people who have a beer as a drunk or those using codeine post op for pain as druggies? Maybe take a few to watch that vid I posted and or follow up with what I actually wrote. You demonstrate bias based on pre conceived notions due to lack of knowledge.
I just thought it was a discussion, rather than “everyone tell me how much you agree with me”.
I drink lots of beer. I don’t say it’s medicinal though. Maybe all the younger people (my age) that suddenly come down with glaucoma takes away the legitimacy for me.
I know that a lot of people in their twenties are all for it. I just see a bunch of my peers acting like idiots, legally.