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Do you think patients should have the right to use medical marijuana?
Please post your opinions and reply to our survey. Thanks
Wow, thanks for the history lesson. I had heard that the criminalization of MJ was linked to generating fear the "Devil weed smoking n***ers" were going to rape and pillage the sacred women of the south. Seems like it was a weed that was easily available to the poor and reduced motivation to purchase booze, a taxible commodity. Geo. Washington, among others, grew it for it's many benefits. There was a Govmt. study in the 70's that proved it was less harmful than ETOH. Legalizing it, then taxing it like other substances seems a likely answer. Does anybody think that we are winning the war on drugs????
having worked as an oncology nurse for many years, i can attest to the benefits of medical marijuana to help control chemo-related side effects. of course, i believe there should be strict rules and regulations regarding the use, similar to ones for controlled substances. as with almost any other drug, there is a great potential for misuse, but why should we keep those patients who would benefit from the drug from using it (or make them resort to an illegal activity) just because the use of marijuana is currently illegal?
Shouldn't even be an issue. As Hospice RN Case Mgr's we deal every day with issues of pain, nausea, poor intake etc. It should come as no surprise that Marinol is marginally effective at best. It is another case where the Pharmaceutical industry has taken a naturally occuring benefical substance
and manipulated it in the lab, removing many active ingredients, and compounded a product they can patent and distribute for profit, regardless of its efficacy in comparison with original. Likewise with Methadone, which is seeing increased use in our clinical practice as an extremely effective agent in pain control, especially with terminal patients. Many physicians have little experience with its use and can be reluctant to prescribe. This also can probably be in part attributed to the fact that it is a very inexpensive option, there is no financial incentive for the drug reps and companies to promote its use over Oxycontin etc. despite its effectiveness. While no drug is a panacea and all need to be tailored to the individual, you may find that Methadone warrants a second look as you attempt to provide maximum relief and comfort to your patients. As with any med, start low, go slow and assess. Do your own research and consult with MD, Pharmacist, colleague etc. for advice and support. Patrick Monk.RNCM. SF.Ca.
Sanctuary asked "does anybody think we're winning the war on drugs?
No, we are not winning the war on drugs just like we did not win the prohibition of alcohol. Most of the crime committed is related to the prohibition of drugs, not the drugs themselves. People should not be made criminals for simply ingesting something into their bodies. And for those who choose not to ingest, that's ok too.
Nemhain
483 Posts
...you've always got the best ideas....
Marijuana should be completely legal for everyone! My house = my business!
Back on topic: Patients in pain, especially from cancer, should never be denied a drug to alleviate it.