The Need for Advanced Research Regarding
Medical Use of Marijuana
Marijuana has
been used for centuries as a medical compound by many different Indian tribes
and cultures and recently; in the last twenty years some research has been done
on the compounds of marijuana and the effects when used for cancer, HIV/AIDS
and MS.
According to Cancer.org; “scientists have identified many
biologically active components in marijuana. These are called cannabinoids. The
two best studied components are the chemicals delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (often
referred to as THC), and cannabidiol (CBD)”
Unfortunately, with marijuana being listed as a Schedule I controlled substance
by the US Drug Enforcement Administration, federally granted research is quite
limited and nearly unheard of. The American Cancer Society has issued the
following statement in regards to research and marijuana “The American Cancer Society supports the need for more
scientific research on cannabinoids for cancer patients, and recognizes the
need for better and more effective therapies that can overcome the often
debilitating side effects of cancer and its treatment. The Society also
believes that the classification of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled
substance by the US Drug Enforcement Administration imposes numerous conditions
on researchers and deters scientific study of cannabinoids. Federal officials
should examine options consistent with federal law for enabling more scientific
study on marijuana”.
The medical benefits could be remarkable and one has to wonder
why the medical community and the government have not tapped the possibilities
of what medical conditions this drug can potentially treat; why does this continue to be overlooked?
Although, the use of marijuana to treat some medical conditions is legal under
state laws in many states, it remains illegal by Federal Law.
The article I have attached explains some of the benefits
marijuana has had for cancer, HIV/AIDS and MS patients, how it alleviates
nausea and vomiting, helps control chronic pain and promotes some appetite.
This article also brings to light the vast need for more research, federal
research for medical use. The
possibilities of using marijuana medically could be astronomical if the medical
community had the resources and backing of the federal government. The fact that no cure has been found, for
any disease since the 1950’s make one wonder if we as a society are more
complacent to push prescription drugs and line the pockets of the
pharmaceutical companies that are
creating customers not cures.
Interestingly; dronabinol,
a pharmaceutical form of THC, and a man-made cannabinoid drug called nabilone
are approved by the FDA to treat some conditions and side effects from
chemotherapy in cancer patients, so the research was conducted to approve these
man made pharmaceutical drugs, why not get the funding and research approved
for the real drug, the organic drug, the cost effective drug of marijuana and
see where it leads us in finding more organic forms of medical treatment.
Interesting information. Anything to help cancer patients is a move in the right direction. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMarijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. While I understand your point of view, I do not believe marijuana should be legalized for the consumption of recreational use. How do we separate true medical use from pseudo medical complains. Marijuana can be extremely addictive for some people, if not the components but the feeling of "being high". Amsterdam has legalized marijuana use, and has been found that the crime is now centering around the coffeehouses where marijuana is sold. A recent Northwestern University study found that marijuana users have abnormal brain structure and poor memory and that chronic marijuana use may lead to brain changes that resembles schizophrenia. As we try to crack down on alcohol and tobacco use in the United States, which was made legal because it is so deeply ingrained in our society, why add another crutch for our people to rely on.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Lindsay! I appreciate the feedback and I am always open to a discussion. I understand your position on marijuana and by no means did my article suggest the legalization of recreational use.
ReplyDeleteWhen I found this article we had just finished the cancer module and I was stunned to find many publications by reputable resources on the benefits to cancer patients by using medical marijuana to treat the side effects of the chemo drugs. Some of the studies have been very positive for the patients. I agree with my article and feel more research is needed to at least validate or refute the benefits of this organic form of medication. We are pumping deadly chemicals into the bodies of cancer, MS and HIV/AIDS patients and just don't see the harm in finding alternative ways for those people to combat the nasty side effects!!
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ReplyDeleteI think this article was very interesting and the responses are quite fun!
ReplyDeleteI do understand the dangers in use recreationally and possibility of psychological dependency in people without major health problems. It may seem difficult to regulate medical use, but as this is being legalized, more regulations and hoops are required to get a prescription.
I do find that more research should definitely be performed. I don't believe there have been enough studies or evidence of positive effects medically! It is interesting to see the limited studies that have pointed out that marijuana may actually shrink cancer cells and prevent spread! Wow! There are also other studies that show a better quality of life in cancer patients or critically ill patients. This is not because they get a "feeling of being high". They actually do not get "high", but are able to function through the pain. This is similar to the effect of narcotic pain medication, no "high" feeling but enough to get through the day as normally as possible. They have also gained more weight, providing better nutrition and healing powers throughout chemotherapy treatment.
I personally have a friend who lives a few states away. His mother had a particularly painful bone cancer and was receiving treatment. Until she tried a pharmacological form of THC, she was bedridden, underweight, and severely depressed. Once she began treatment, she was able to do more for herself, gained weight, and had a better state of mind. Even though she was still limited with fatigue and weakness, her quality of living dramatically increased.
A few other examples of use include a study that has shown the use has decreased intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma. Another study has shown a decrease in likelihood of seizures and muscle spasms. It almost seems there is no limit to medical benefits, but there is largely lacking evidence and continuing studies. This is especially true for longterm effects.
Synthetic pharmaceutical drugs, Dronabinol, has used a derivative of THC and has shown many positive efforts towards decreasing symptoms of many painful and debilitating diseases.
All in all, there may be dangers but we will never know the benefits until more studies are done. The stigma of use is abundant, but hopefully more information can ease the minds of those who are in need of a last resort or need a higher quality of living.
Marijuana is a natural approach to pain relief for severely ill patients. I talked to a patient that had cancer at Thomas that was prescribed Marinol; this medication helped increase her appetite, offered pain and nausea relief. However, some patients do not have a positive response to synthetic marijuana as they do with the natural form. Synthetics do not provide the CBC compound, which is now being proven to have therapeutic properties. There are even strains that offer CBC with very little THC content. Patients that do find natural marijuana a therapeutic option are unable to legally obtain marijuana without fear of arrest or possible compromise to their safety. I personally, do not understand why we would give our severely sick patients a synthetic medication instead of a natural form. Marijuana is not for everyone just as narcotics are not for everyone; these patients deserve to have marijuana as a treatment option.
ReplyDeleteGreat article. Excellent summary and insights from your peers!
ReplyDeleteI agree Lisa and Paige. What side effects does this synthetic form have that the natural form does not? I believe natural is the best route to go. Plus, its cheaper in most cases. I also agree with Lindsey, as well, in some of the points that shes noted. Strict regulations would definitely have to be in place for the natural form of marijuana to be legalized for medical purposes. Otherwise, there would be a saturation of new cases of sickness that "needs" marijuana to deal with the side effect of particular disease processes. Great job Lisa!
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and he began chemotherapy/radiation. He lost a ton of weight despite our pleas for him to eat. He became very weak and then just refused food. He needed the lower lobe of his right lung to be removed where the cancer was located. The doctor was afraid to operate because he had lost so much weight and didn’t think he would survive the surgery. Luckily, he was prescribed (Marinol) dronabinol, the drug you mentioned in your post, to help with his nausea/vomiting and hopes of it increasing his appetite. It helped a little with his appetite and definitely helped with nausea/vomiting. He was able to gain enough strength to proceed with the surgery. He went from having stage 3 lung cancer to having no evidence of cancer and he lived an additional 7 years, so I am thankful that this drug was available. However, I do believe the natural route is best! Marinol may have been successful for my grandfather, but there are patients who are suffering from cancer and they need additional options. I agree with you Lisa, research is definitely still needed. Very interesting to read through some of the previously posted comments and there point of view. I believe this is a great forum for discussing these issues.
ReplyDeleteI loved your insight and article Lisa! Two years ago my best friend was diagnosed with stage 3 Rhabdomyosarcoma and had multiple surgeries to remove the tumors and lymph nodes affected. Along with the surgeries she had 42 weeks of chemo and 28 days of radiation. My friend was barely 100 lbs soaking wet before the cancer so when treatments took away her appetite, strength, and energy she was prescribed Marinol when she became so frail the only thing her body would allow her to do is sleep. usually after a big chemo she would not eat and sleep for days straight, after her first dose of Marinol before chemo she ate an omelette, bagel, and potatoes, more than she had ate in a week at times. I fully support the use of these drugs and agree that more research and money should be put into using more natural forms of it eventually.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this as long as it is used for the right reason. I watched a video the other day of a parkinsons patient who was taking medical marijuana and within an hour his convulsions/movements subsided to allow him to lay flat on the couch without problems. I believe this needs more research so that we can use it for what it is actually needed for and not just as another prescription that everyone wants.
ReplyDeleteI certainly believe that marijuana has a place in medicine. It has already been proven that it improves the quality of life for many patients who suffer from chronic pain, cancer, and multiple sclerosis to name a few. As for the argument that some people will abuse it, those people are or will likely abuse opioids, prescription and illicit. Seeing that marijuana is likely less dangerous than opioids, I find that argument against medical use pointless.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great article. Marijuana certainly has good MEDICAL uses, especially with patients having chemo to help with the nausea and vomiting. That's of special importance for those patients because that is the time their bodies need nutrients the most. I also read another article about it being able to help with seizures as well.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article and a lot of great responses! Plus everyone is being so professional and nice about having different opinions which has been something rare in our generations as of lately. I have seen videos of it helping patients with seizures and cancer so I personally feel like if its used in a hospital setting or even under strict control it would be a great thing for us. My only issue is its currently legal in California and i personally know someone who lives out there and went into one of the "medical marijuana shops" and told the "doctor" she gets headaches. She paid him 40 dollars and now can buy and use whenever she feels like it. It needs stricter guidelines to where and when it can be used and i think if it came from an actually pharmacy would help too. If the it could be regulate where only the people who needed it could get it i think the whole system would work better and people would maybe be more willing to see the good things it can do.
ReplyDelete