Marijuana Gains Wonder Drug Status

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

http://alternet.org/drugreporter/48749/

of course, our knowledge has advanced greatly over the years. scientists have identified over 60 unique constituents in marijuana, called cannabinoids, and we have learned much about how they work. we have also learned that our own bodies produce similar chemicals, called endocannabinoids.

the mountain of accumulated anecdotal evidence that pointed the way to the present and other clinical studies also strongly suggests there are a number of other devastating disorders and symptoms for which marijuana has been used for centuries; they deserve the same kind of careful, methodologically sound research. while few such studies have so far been completed, all have lent weight to what medicine already knew but had largely forgotten or ignored: marijuana is effective at relieving nausea and vomiting, spasticity, appetite loss, certain types of pain, and other debilitating symptoms. and it is extraordinarily safe -- safer than most medicines prescribed every day. if marijuana were a new discovery rather than a well-known substance carrying cultural and political baggage, it would be hailed as a wonder drug.

frankly, i think this issue merits more study. one of the nicer things on an abstract level is the idea that therapeutic drug benefits may be derived without the stranglehold of big phrma.

[Balder_LPN, LPN]

oh, man. You have over 700 posts, you should know that this has been around and around this board, and what is going to happen. This wont be a productive discussion.

Myself, I am surprised that mj cannot yet be prescribed. but, as we will soon see, this is a politically charged, emotional, and polarizing subject.

Get ready for the firestorm!!

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Its my libertarian liberal streak......I think that it is one of those issues that needs to be periodically revisited....I personally don't use either of the evil weeds and actively discourage use by my reproductive units but I think that people should have the ability to make choices in their own homes as long as it does not result in harm to others....I've got to go put my asbestos suit on....

[Balder_LPN, LPN]

hmm, I guess everyone must be burned out on this subject. I am surprised that there isnt 75 replies by now.

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

hmm, I guess everyone must be burned out on this subject. I am surprised that there isnt 75 replies by now.

I think they're all too energized about discussing the merits of market based medicine vs single payer....