Medical Marijuana Quagmire

In keeping with his campaign promise, President Obama is supporting the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes where state law allows. Currently, thirteen states have laws on the books that allow some use of medical marijuana, and medical marijuana proponents are pressing for more.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will no longer raid state-approved marijuana dispensaries, according to Attorney General Eric Holder. This is welcome news for medical marijuana advocates and those who have found themselves caught in the legal quagmire between state law and federal law. Keeping in mind that we’re talking about controlled-use marijuana for medical purposes, this move indicates that federal resources will not be used to get around state laws.

Marijuana is said to relieve pain and suffering for the chronically ill and disabled, as well as those facing end-of-life issues. Assuming a doctor’s approval, marijuana is simply one more alternative for those who have few, if any. If your doctor believes that marijuana could improve your quality of life, even in the short term, should you not have that option?

Watch television for a few hours and you’ll see a stream of ads for powerful prescription medications with lengthy potential side-effects up to and including death, but they remain an option.

It’s clear that marijuana use can cause cognitive problems in the short-term, and perhaps even long-term. It is not something to be taken lightly. I do not endorse the recreational use of marijuana any more than I endorse smoking tobacco, but medical use is another issue altogether.

Imagine the desperation felt by those living in chronic, severe pain, or a debilitating condition — with no relief in sight. Until we walk in those shoes, our understanding is limited. It just may be possible that the trade-off of slight cognitive impairment for temporary relief is worth it. Sometimes life just comes around to choosing between lesser evils.

Our poll below asks about controlled-use of medical marijuana — not legalization of marijuana in general. Please take a moment to answer the poll and leave a comment sharing the reasons you are for or against legalization of medical marijuana.

Read more: health policy, medical marijuana, obama

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

patti t.

9:49AM PDT on Mar 20, 2009

I AM AN OLD,64 YEAR OLD WOMEN and I think marijuana should be legal to grow and smoke, TAKE THE MONEY OUT OF IT and we are all safer. Then show me how to grow!!!!!!

send a green star

James M.

9:51AM PDT on Mar 13, 2009

It is a total disgrace that people who need this safe alternative can't get it. The best news I've heard is the new administration will no longer harass medical patients in California. We need to pressure our legislature and continue education towards this issue.

Mary B.

7:36PM PDT on Mar 9, 2009

Of course it's illegal.It works and it's relitively inexpensive, and hard to regulate.This is a culture that worships money and ideals and cares very little for real people. That's why nothing makes any sense when you get out of an over-inflated intellect and have to feel life instead of judge what others are doing.

Junior W.

12:57AM PST on Mar 6, 2009

Its unfortunate that man as again seen himself in such exalted heights that we are discussing a plant that was created by the creator when he was doing this whole creation including man and if we believe in the bible in Eden were trees for particular purposes some were disclosed to Adam some were'nt and we know the rest so I guess its good that through medicine we would later discover many other plants potential like quinine for penincillin, I was told the opposition to marijuana/cannabis is to leave a multi-billion dollar market clear for tobacco which unfortunately has no medicinal values only side effects.

Jennifer C.

4:23PM PST on Mar 5, 2009

I support legalization of marijuana

Marcia S.

2:40PM PST on Mar 5, 2009

I really don't understand the ignorance of some people. All the drugs they advertise on TV, for pain and everything else, could have horrible side effects, then they don't want to legalize marijuana..What's the matter with people today, if it helps pain. If it helps chemo patients with nausea, then what's the big deal.. I've never heard of anyone overdosing on Marijuana!! I just don't understand the world today.. Maybe the drug cartels would be upset if it was legal, then they wouldn't make near as much money on it.. The government could tax it, and then it might help the financial system, if the taxes weren't too high.. But here again, they probably would tax it outrageously!!! What's the deal?? Sometimes I just don't understand...

2:34PM PST on Mar 5, 2009

With all the other drugs that are legal, and have terrible side effects, I don't understand what the big deal is about legalizing marijuana!!!! Is it just because the big drug cartels couldn't make as much money on it?? If you're in pain and nothing else helps what's the problem?? If you're on chemo and sick at your stomach and can't eat, what's the problem?? I don't understand the medical profession, and the government anymore.. If it helps, what can it hurt?? I don't think anyone's ever died from an overdose of marijuana!!!!!

jamie c.

11:20AM PST on Mar 5, 2009

i think that they should not only legalize it but also make it easer to get i have a friend that tried for two years to get approved before he finnaly got his license

BMutiny T.

8:54PM PST on Mar 4, 2009

Marijuana, or CANNABIS as the proper name of the plant is, is one of the MOST EFFECTIVE, as well as one of the SAFEST, medicines there is. It has been used for literally thousands of years, in many different cultures and climates all over the globe. It is medically IMPOSSIBLE to overdose on Cannabis/marijuana; this is scientific proven fact. Anyone tells you different, is either knowingly lying to you, or is simply mis-informed. Cannabis/marijuana was prescribed to QUEEN VICTORIA by her personal physician, who wrote about its benefits! Old apothecary jars have CANNABIS written on them in fancy lettering. There has been a concentrated effort, to LIE to the American people; who, fortunately, as we see here on this forum, are waking up from their long darkness; and EMBRACING the use of Cannabis/marijuana for its wonderful benefits. The PUSH to make it legal, to de-criminalize its use, will NOT BE STOPPED.

Jeff E.

8:53PM PST on Mar 4, 2009

I suffer from Diabetic Neuropathic Gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach.) Symptoms are 'delayed stomach emptying' which causes chronic nausea and vomiting. There is no drug in today's pharamacopoeia that safely controls chronic nausea and vomiting, except for Cannabis. The most commonly prescribed drug for my condition is Reglan/Metoclopramide. My doctor said, "Do not take Reglan on a regular basis for it causes 'irreversible Parkinson like shakes and tremors.' Also 'Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome' though rarer it is fatal. Inhaled Cannabis vapors gives immediate safe, effective and efficient relief from chronic nausea and vomiting. Finally Iowa has a bill in the state senate to legalize medical marijuana. Keep up the good fight :0