If we really want a conclusive answer as to whether marijuana is valuable for symptom management, it should be evaluated using the same standards as other controlled medications. Is this more a scientific/medical issue or a political issue? With strong supporters on each side of the debate and a fairly new administration, the arguments for and against the legalization of marijuana are certainly hot topics.
What do you think? Email me at PAEditor@qhc.com.
References
1. Lee MYH. Arizona medical marijuana proposed rules released. Arizona Republic. December 16, 2010. www.azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/12/16/20101216arizona-medical-marijuana-proposed-rules.html. Accessed February 22, 2011.
2. Elders J. Myths about medical marijuana [editorial]. Providence Journal. March 26, 2004.
3. Frist B. Email correspondence to ProCon.org; October 20, 2003. Medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000141. Accessed February 22, 2011.
4. American College of Physicians. Supporting research into the therapeutic role of marijuana [position paper]. 2008. www.acponline.org/advocacy/where_we_stand/other_issues/medmarijuana.pdf. Accessed February 22, 2011.
5. National Eye Institute. Glaucoma and marijuana use [NEI statement]. www.nei.nih.gov/news/statements/marij.asp. Accessed February 22, 2011.