California State Medical Marijuana Patient Identification

Is Marijuana Addictive?

Cannabis is not physically addictive, despite what many anti-marijuana people want us to believe. Marijuana users can use it regularly, even multiple times daily, without any problem giving it up.

A very small number of people (heavy chronic users) who use marijuana can find that they have developed a psychological addiction. This can be as mild as some difficulty sleeping, slight irritability, and moodiness. Since most people who use marijuana are not heavy chronic users, this is not common at all. If you are concerned about any possibility of psychological addiction it is very easily avoided by taking time off from regular use. For instance, if you use it every day, you should take one day off per week or take one week off every three months. Even without taking this time off from use, the majority of people using Cannabis report that they have no difficulty stopping usage.

Marijuana has the lowest risk of dependence and withdrawal potential if you compare it to other substances, such as alcohol, opiates (like Vicodin), caffeine, and other psychoactive drugs. Many of the anti-depressants (currently being prescribed abundantly) have very severe physical withdrawal symptoms which most patients are not warned about.

People who are addiction-prone can have trouble controlling their use of marijuana. This is an issue for about 10% of users (this number comes from looking at recreational users, not those using marijuana for medicinal purposes). A person who is considered a marijuana abuser is one who uses it to excess and finds that the use interferes with normal every day activities, like maintaining personal hygiene, going to work, having normal interpersonal relationships. Persons who find that they cannot control their use may find abstinence is preferred.

Most medical marijuana patients find that they cannot function on the medications that they have been prescribed for pain, insomnia, depression, etc. and find that they function very well on medical marijuana. It can be said that this ability to maintain a normal life without dependence and addiction is what is driving many patients to choose medical marijuana as their preferred medication.

Additionally, another compelling reason that most medical marijuana patients have switched from opiates (like Vicodin), antidepressants, or sleeping pills is exactly for the reason that marijuana is not physically addictive and can be easily stopped. Some MMEC patients report that they can use marijuana for a week for a back pain flare-up, then easily stop until the next episode. Some patients report to us that they only use it on the nights that they cannot sleep, maybe 2 -3 times per week. If you find that you are concerned about the addictive potential of the medications that you are taking, medical marijuana may be the answer for you. It treats a whole slew of symptoms and for the majority of those using it, no issues with dependence and addiction. It is a much smarter and more natural choice than many of the pharmaceuticals being pushed prescribed by doctors. And again, with vaporizers, edibles and tinctures readily available, there is no need to smoke this medication – many patients are finding the other delivery methods quite effective.

Cannabis is not physically addictive, regardless of what many anti-marijuana people want us to accept as true. Marijuana consumers can use marijuana frequently, even numerous times daily, without any problem giving it up, when necessary.

Cannabis has the lowest risk of dependence and withdrawal potential if you compare it to other substances, such as alcohol, opiates (like Vicodin), caffeine, and other psychoactive drugs. Many of the anti-depressants (currently being prescribed abundantly) have very severe physical withdrawal symptoms which most patients are not warned about.

Marijuana is illegal, but should it be? That is a question that remains unanswered. The road to the illegalization of marijuana began in 1937 when the Marihuana Tax Act was passed. While it didn't make the drug illegal, it made it very dangerous to deal with the substance. It wasn't until the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 that marijuana became a schedule 1 narcotic, making it illegal. In order to be declared a schedule 1 narcotic, a substance must meet the following criteria:

(A) The drug or other substance has high potential for abuse.

(B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.

(C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

In this paper we will explore the function of drug laws, how that function relates to marijuana, and whether or not a law prohibiting marijuana is ethical and fair. In addition to the guidelines offered by the CSA, we will include our own reasons for controlling a substance, which are:

(A) The drug induces severe psychological affects, which cause unpredictable behavior that may endanger the user and those around them.

(B) Use of the drug could lead to crime.

(C) Use of the drug can lead to severe health problems.

The opposition to marijuana (in the modern day) stems largely from fears in regards to the possible psychological and physical health effects of the drug. Some claim that marijuana causes permanent damage to brain, hindering a person's cognitive skills over time. Others note personality changes such as loss of motivation, paranoia, and addiction.

Studies have shown the fears regarding personality to be justified. However, the general consensus is that the people most affected by marijuana in terms of addiction and personality changes, are people who began using the drug before the age of 18, a period in a child's life that is important to their psychological and social development. In fact, 10-14% of marijuana users suffer from addiction problems and withdrawal that is comparable to nicotine withdrawal, says University of Vermont associate professor and director of its Treatment Research Center, Dr. Alan J. Budney (Carroll).

According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) marijuana can have lasting effects on a user's daily life. The following is taken from NIDA's information page of marijuana:

Research clearly demonstrates that marijuana has the potential to cause problems in daily life or make a person's existing problems worse. In one study, heavy marijuana abusers reported that the drug impaired several important measures of life achievement including physical and mental health, cognitive abilities, social life, and career status. Several studies associate workers' marijuana smoking with increased absences, tardiness, accidents, workers' compensation claims, and job turnover.

As for physiological health effects, the three main concerns are in regards to the brain, the heart, and the lungs. As mentioned earlier, many opponents to marijuana use claim that the drug causes permanent damage to the brain. Many studies dispute this notion, but we will cover that in more depth when we get to the pro-marijuana portion of this paper. Instead, we will focus on the areas in which scientific studies have been able to confirm potential health risks.

Research has shown that the risk for a heart-attack increases within the first hour of marijuana use. This happens because of an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. In addition to heart concerns, marijuana poses a threat to the respiratory system as it is carcinogenic and users tend to hold smoke in their lungs longer. While it was originally believed that marijuana smoke caused cancer new studies have proven otherwise, some even saying that the active ingredient in cannabis, THC, may be able to help prevent certain kinds of cancer (NIDA).

Nevertheless, the debate on medicinal marijuana has caused an increase in the amount of research regarding the drug, many of which have ended with surprising conclusions. In 15 different studies, varying from 3 months to 13+ years, scientists observed regular marijuana users and non-users to determine if there was any damage to the brain as a result of use. All of the studies conclusively proved that marijuana does not damage the brain permanently as previously believed. Other studies have produced similar results (WebMD).

Igor Grant, MD and lead researcher for the previously mentioned studies makes sure to mention that the participants were all adults and that the results would most likely be different if it was a 12 year old user, whose nervous system is still developing (WebMD).

In regards to addiction, ''Everything is relative,'' said Dr. Donald Jasinksi, a professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins medical school and director of the Center for Chemical Dependence at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. ''Does it destroy as many lives as alcohol? No. Does it kill as many people as cigarettes? No. Does it have as many deaths associated with it as aspirin overdose? No. (Carroll).''

While studies have shown a percentage of marijuana users to suffer from addiction to the drug, it is a small percentage of the population and an argument can be, and has been, made that anything can be addictive based on the emotional attachment a person has to an activity. The withdrawal period is far less severe than that of alcohol and other drugs. The NIDA has found that the average withdrawal begins after 1 day of abstinence, peaks at 2-3, and subsides after a week or two (NIDA).

As far as physical health effects, respiratory problems appear to be the only one that both sides agree on, but advocates of marijuana contend moderate use of the drug is less severe than cigarette use as cigarette users tend to smoke multiple cigarettes a day. Furthermore, alternative means of marijuana consumption such as eating it or using a vaporizer lower the amount of carcinogens that enter the lungs. Even more surprising, studies conducted in Italy and Britain have found that THC might be useful in fighting off bacteria (Fountain).

With the amount of studies that have been conducted on marijuana since the 1950s, and the nature of their findings, it is shocking as to why a collective conclusion has not yet been reached in regards to the legality issue of the substance. Based on the above information and the criteria established earlier for determining whether a substance should be controlled or not, we will systematically explore the ethical validity of a law prohibiting the use, growth, and sale of marijuana.

First, we must define the telos or function of a law. Certainly, most will agree that the function of a law is to protect the majority of the population from a dangerous element of society. If that is the function of a law then we must examine the societal effects of the illegalization of marijuana versus the potential dangers.

As a result of the prohibition of marijuana, millions of Americans have been arrested and entered into the justice system, with 872,721 people being arrested in 2007, 89% for simple possession (NORML). The number is a 5.2% increase from 2006, with the annual number of marijuana arrests rising steadily on a yearly basis (NORML).

The majority of people arrested for marijuana are non-violent offenders with no previous criminal record. This means they pose no threat to society. So what is the law protecting the population from? Themselves? This seems to be the case since the law has damaged more lives through legal troubles than it protected since most marijuana users do not use the substance and go on crime sprees.

If the law's function is meant to protect people from the health risks associated with the population then we must once again return to the studies conducted on the issue. While marijuana, like anything, has negative effects, it appears that overall it is no more dangerous than many legal substances such as alcohol, cigarettes, aspirin, etc. In the WebMD article, which talks about Igor Grant's research regarding the effects of marijuana on the brain, Lester Grinspoon, MD, a retired Harvard Medical School psychiatrist who studied medicinal marijuana use since the 1960s and wrote two books on the topic, says that while Grant's finding provide more evidence on its safety, “it's nothing that those of us who have been studying this haven't known for a very long time.”

“Marijuana is a remarkably safe and non-toxic drug that can effectively treat about 30 different conditions,” he tells WebMD. “I predict it will become the aspirin of the 21st century, as more people recognize this. (WebMD)”

While many credible minds in the scientific community warn about the dangers of marijuana use on people under the age of 18, the consensus seems to be that it is relatively safe to use for adults, especially when used in moderation.

If it poses little danger to a person's health, brings joy to those who use it, and its users are not prone to criminal behavior, what is the function of a law prohibiting marijuana? If, as a law, it is to protect the population from an assumed danger, is it serving that function? The answers to those questions are for the reader to determine based on the evidence and analysis presented within this paper, in addition to any evidence found independently.

Works Cited

Carroll, Linda. “Marijuana's Effects: More Than Munchies.” New York Times 22 Jan. 2008.

“872,721 marijuana arrests in 2007, up 5.2% from 2006.” NORML. 15 Sept. 2008. NORML. 22 Oct. 2008 .

Fountain, Henry. “Marijuana Ingredient May Fight Bacteria.” New York Times 5 Sept. 2008: F3.

“Info Facts - Marijuana.” National Institute of Drug Abuse. June 2008. National Institute of Drug Abuse. 22 Oct. 2008.

Kirchheimer, Sid. “Heavy Marijuana Use Doesn't Damage Brain.” WebMD. 1 July 2003. WebMD. 22 Oct. 2008 .

Marijuana Medicine can help with many ailments. With the recent death of Michael Jackson due to prescribed medications| more and more patients are examining their pill bottles and cannot help but be curious as to what their future holds. Doctors are so swift to write prescriptions for anti-depressants, painkillers, sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Most medical cannabis patients feel that they cannot function on the medications that they have been prescribed for pain, insomnia, depression, etc. and find that they function very well on medical marijuana.

If you are planning on visiting a distant land, then plan on spending some time finding out as much as you can about the particular country and culture you are visiting. You should never think that you will get by on your amazing American charm, and you should never be too naïve or cocky when it comes to learning someone else's social customs. So this means that you must do your homework and find out as much as you can about this cultural experience, especially if you have never been out of the states before. This article is a brief overview of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cultural Etiquette and will give you some of the basic rules of traveling out of the country and things you should do to make your trip go smoothly.

I have already discussed the basic first step with you, which is finding out as much as possible about the country you are visiting. You should learn all about the people, customs, and forbidden things that you will encounter in their society. It would not be a bad idea to find out the names of the President or King of the country. It also would not hurt to learn about the local cuisine. Learning simple yet helpful things about the country itself can help if you happen to get into a crazy situation and can't find your way out of it. Once again don't be cocky and think that just because you are American you don't have to adjust or change who you are for anyone or any culture. You should never go into another person's country thinking that you don't have to follow their rules just because you are from New York or Los Angeles. Many Americans are informal, but don't think that you can go somewhere else and get away with what you may get away with here. Do your research and try your best to fit in, because more than likely the people you are visiting won't care how American you are, you better follow their rules.

Learn the language. I am not saying to go out and take a 5-year Swahili course, although it wouldn't hurt. Take time out to learn basic words and phrases so that you can communicate with the locals, even if it is a bare minimum. Imagine having to go to the restroom so bad and nobody can understand you when you ask them where it is. Or imagine being served a plate of raw snails because you couldn't read the menu. Learning basic sentences can and will help you on your journey. It would be a great idea to take along a simple language book and keep it by your side, just in case your memory isn't that good.

Ok, so you are visiting a country that speaks English, no big deal right? You don't have to learn the language because you already know it. Wrong, think again, you have to remember that Americans tend to use slang while we are talking to one another, and this slang will sound like gibberish to foreigners. Asking a person “Where's your crib?” or “This city is so cool” will probably cause confusion to them. Try to speak basic Standard English and leave out all of the extra jargon.

Take along your business card. This will help because many countries base the way that they treat people on their status. It is also nice to have one side of your business card printed in the language that is most commonly used in the country you are visiting. This is also great for making international contacts and keeping close international friendships. You should research when the best time to present your card to others would be and how to accept when a card is given to you. You should always treat the card that is given to you with respect. Don't just throw it down or away but put it somewhere for future viewing. You should present your card between your thumb and index finger with the side you would like them to read facing up. This makes it easier for the person to take the card and to read it quickly.

Direct eye contact can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on where you are going. Do your research. Some countries consider direct eye contact as being rude, aggressive, or challenging, while others will expect you to stare them right in the face.

Kissing in some countries shows a wonderful display of affection toward the other person whether you know them or not. The most common is “air kissing” or the basic smooch smooch on both cheeks. In America we are more likely to give a firm handshake to one another to show a sign of respect, however, in most countries, handshakes are limp and lifeless, so don't go for the firm handshake. If the person shakes your hand loosely then you try to mimic their action. Some cultures don't want any type of body contact when meeting another person because it is taboo or forbidden. They will probably not like it if you pat them on the back or extend your hand for a handshake, the best option would be to study their cultural customs and abide by them so you don't get into any trouble.

Gifts are a wonderful part of meeting and greeting others. In many countries it is customary to bring a gift when invited to a home or business. For businesses, you will want to do your research because what is acceptable in one country may be strictly forbidden in another. It may not be acceptable for a U.S. businesswoman to present a gift to a male businessman. The women should probably wait to see if she receives a gift from them before giving one. Wrapping the gift is very important in certain countries. The outside of the gift can be just as special as the inside. You should find out what are acceptable colors and styles when it comes to wrapping gifts. Don't try to impress your counterpart with an expensive gift; it may make you seem materialistic. Flowers work very well as gifts especially if you are invited to a home as an honored guest. Be careful when choosing flowers, the type of flower can vary from country to country, so once again do your research.

Conduct yourself at the dinner table the way that your foreign hosts will want you to. Here it may be rude or gross to burp at the table, however, in some countries it is a compliment to the chef. Don't be rude if the host is serving something that you don't like to eat, try it anyways or at least try not to be too overtly grossed out. Learn how you should hold your cup of tea or what dish you should eat first. Scarfing down your food may be rude so try to observe how everyone else is eating, and if you don't know what something is or how to do something, don't be afraid to ask.

Personal space will have a big impact on you when you leave this country. In some countries, the people will be so close together that they will almost be touching, in other countries, the gap may be much farther apart. Study how close the natives are together when they are speaking to one another and try to copy them.

As in this country, always respect your elders. Listen to them when they speak, rise when they enter the room, always treat them with respect. In many countries the elders are highly respected and treated well. In some Asian countries, young people will rise to give their seat to the elderly on a bus. Remember they have been here much longer than you and they deserve your respect.

Research the proper attire that you should wear. In Islamic countries, women are encouraged to cover their hair with the hijab, or headscarf. Wearing what the locals wear will help you to fit in and also give a good impression that you are trying to connect with them and respect their rules and customs. When going on business trips, find out if it is better to wear a business suit or a dashiki.

Green works wonderful in the United States of America, but it may not work where you are planning on visiting. You should estimate or decide how much money you plan on spending and then you should get your green traded in for foreign dollars once you arrive in the country. This will help you to save money because surcharges are placed on each currency exchange transaction.

Don't forget your passport and definitely don't lose it. Your passport and or visa will get you back home God willing, so you should do your best to take very good care of it. You should make sure your passport will still be valid at least six months from the time your arrived and you should check with a travel agent to see if you will need a visa along with your passport. Make sure your passport has your name, address, telephone number of someone to be contacted in case of an emergency, and your photo. You should also keep an extra copy of your photo in another location aside from your passport just in case.

You will need to do some basic but important things before your trip; here is the list.

• Update insurance policies and will, just in case you happen to die on your trip (which I hope that you do not).
• Leave a copy of our power of attorney and itinerary information with a family member or friend.
• Find out if your insurance covers you for theft abroad.
• Find out how to report the loss of a credit card or information. You should probably write down the 1-800 number on the back of the card and keep it in a safe location just in case this happens.
• Carry only basic credit cards and identification with you, try to limit other documents because they may be required to be searched.
• Keep your U.S. identification or driver's license on you at all times. Make sure these have your photo on it.
• You should get an international driver's permit if it is required for the country you are visiting.
• Make at least two copies of credit card numbers, traveler's check numbers, telephone numbers to report lost or stolen cards, and airline ticket numbers.

If you have medical problems you definitely should see your doctor before going abroad. You should have the doctor write out any prescriptions that you may be taking just in case of an emergency. If you think that you will need a doctor abroad, you should check out the American Board of Medical specialist and it's 22 certifying member boards, which may be located at the local library. Take along a copy of your prescriptions, a full supply of any prescription medication you will need, an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses, extra contact cases, international vaccine record certifying you have had all of your vaccinations, list of your blood type, allergies, medical conditions, and special requirements.

Check to see if your health insurance is willing to cover you abroad. You may be excited to know that in some countries, insurance is not required and medical treatment is much cheaper than in the states. However, you will need to be cautious of some treatment facilities. You may also want to get international coverage while you are on your trip, just in case of an emergency.

Try not to look like a tourist. Hawaiian shirts, cameras, binoculars and other tourist paraphernalia will draw immediate attention to you. You want to make sure to dress casual, don't look too much like a traveler, and try to carry your valuables underneath your clothing. Avoid using fanny packs and outside purses.

Tag all of your baggage with your name, home address, phone number and emergency contact information. You should also put your information inside of the luggage just in case the tag happens to fall off. You should secure your luggage with locks; however, they can be broken into, so for more security place a piece of nylon filament tape around the suitcase.

Hotel safety is very important. You should consult a travel agency on the best and safest hotels in the country. You should make your own travel arrangements and reservations, you should use your employer's business address if going on a business trip, you should NOT identify your company, and you should use your own personal credit card to pay your bills. You are very vulnerable while traveling from the airport to the hotel because there are people that wait around to rob tourists who don't have a clue, the best thing to do is to get to your hotel as soon as possible and don't hang around the airport talking or taking pictures, get to your room.

What you should look for in a hotel is very important. You want to feel safe and secure while traveling out of the country. You should ask the hotel for a room between the second and seventh floor. You want to be in a room that is above ground and does not have easy window or sliding door glass access. You also want a room that is not near an elevator or stairwell. When you get to the hotel, scope it out and find the closest fire exits and nearest phones outside of your room just in case of an emergency. Make sure that your room door is secure and locked and always keep your door closed and or locked.

If you are feeling sick, don't waste time thinking that you are going to be ok. Foreign lands can sometimes bring foreign diseases. Get checked out or get to the nearest U.S. embassy to gain access to the local physicians and medical facilities.

Find out where the U.S. Embassy is located in the country you are in. If something should happen you would probably want to locate and get to the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible.

Be safe while traveling. Try to stay out of the crime scene. Here are a few tips for staying safe.

• Never leave your luggage unattended in public areas.
• Never accept packages from strangers.
• Don't look like a tourist; we already went over this one. You should avoid wearing expensive jewelry and don't carry large amounts of money on you.
• When exchanging money only deal with authorized agents.
• Do not publicize your travel plans, or discuss your information with people you don't know.
• Always inspect any gifts you may receive from business or personal contacts.
• You should never pack money, traveler's checks, or expensive valuables in your checked luggage.
• Try to get all of your money exchanged before going abroad, this way you will avoid being a target and getting your money stolen.

When renting a car, you should choose a common model and have the car rental place take all of the markings that will identify that the car is a rental. You should make sure you have universal door locks, power windows, and air conditioner. These luxuries may help to keep you out of a jam and out of the way of thieves targeting tourists. Air conditioners will help because you don't have to role down the windows. With open windows you are allowing unknown persons to come inside of your vehicle. You should always keep your door locked, avoid driving after dark, never leave valuables in your car, do not park the car on the street overnight, if the hotel does not have a parking garage, park your car in a well lit area.

Don't try to bring drugs back with you. We have all heard of Amsterdam and their legality of marijuana and other drugs, but you have to remember, these drugs are illegal in the U.S. and it is illegal to leave the country with paraphernalia. Be smart and don't travel with illegal substances.

Get street smart. Know where you are. Try to know your surroundings. Find out where the U.S. Embassy is located, where the police and fire stations are. Take alternative routes when leaving and returning from your hotel, so that no one can track you down. Learn how to call locally and know the exact amount of change you will need in order to use a pay phone. Keep extra change on you at all times just in case you need to make a local call. Don't go out jogging or walking alone, especially at night in unknown lands. Be careful entering public restrooms and try not to do so alone. Be aware of scams where people may spill a drink on you while someone else is stealing your wallet. Be street smart, not street dumb.

If you are arrested in a foreign country you will probably freak out and think that it is the end. There is hope, however, there are a few tips you will need to follow to get you out of the mess.

• Ask to contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate that is representing your country. You will probably have to bug them in order to get this phone call, but don't give up.
• Never provoke the arresting officer.
• Admit or volunteer nothing.
• Never sign anything, especially if it is written in another language. Ask for an attorney or an embassy representative to look over the document before signing it.
• Ask for identification when the person arrives from the embassy. You don't want to end up in more trouble.
• Don't agree to anything. The police may try to bribe you so that you can get out, or they may try to threaten you. Don't agree!!!
• Once you are out contact the local embassy right away and get out of their country.

I hope that this will help you God willing.

Marijuana Medicine has a long history of helping, With the recent death of Michael Jackson due to prescribed medications| more and more patients looking at the prescription drugs and cannot help but be curious as to what their future holds. Doctors are so swift to write prescriptions for anti-depressants, painkillers, sleeping pills and tranquilizers. Most medical cannabis patients feel that they cannot function on the medications that they have been prescribed for pain, insomnia, depression, etc. and find that they function very well on medical marijuana.

Medical cannabis is the use of the components of the marijuana plant for relief of a multitude of medical symptoms and terminal illnesses. A review of the study literature in 2002 shows that the benefits of medically used cannabis to be effective relief for a variety of symptoms. There have been numerous studies all over the world in major countries that lead the world in medical advances indicating the use to be beneficial. The most recent study in the United Kingdom found the use promising in even more neurological disorders and chronic pain sufferers than first indicated.

The studies have proven the use of medical marijuana to be most beneficial for muscle spasm and skeletal disorders such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and partial seizures, spasms of cerebral palsy and spinal injuries. It was also indicated as a bronchodilator for asthma. The oldest indication for the use of marijuana is for nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy drugs. It also reduces chronic loss of appetite for cancer and AIDS patients, and reduces the inflammatory process in inflammatory bowel diseases and rheumatoid arthritis. Now the studies are headed in the direction of mental illness such as bipolar, depression, mood disorders attention deficit disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. This is only a tip of the iceberg. There are many other conditions that are being trialed for the use of cannabis. The Australian Parliamentary Library at www.aph.gov.au/library/pubs/rn/20 has conducted many studies

Cannabidiol also known as “CBD” is the component of the marijuana plant that is found to be of the greatest benefit. This component is extracted and is what is used for the medical purposes described above. Studies have actually found that CBD inhibits the growth of the cancer cell, so it is definitely leading to some promising interventions for terminal illness. The use of medical marijuana has been approved in certain states in the United States, but remains a federal crime. It is available only by prescription and each state has its own statutes on how much one is allowed to grow and possess. There are some synthetic derivatives that are available is various forms. Nabilone approved for use in 1985 is in pill form, but most cancer patients have difficulty swallowing this pill because of the mouth sores and the irritated throats from all the vomiting. It was then converted into a crystallized powder that can be sprinkled on anything the patient likes. Marinol approved in 1992 is in pill form only, and sativex approved in Canada in 1995 and 1997 is a sublingual spray.

Patients are allowed to cultivate and smoke the plant if they so chose, and as said before each state has their own laws governing the amount one can possess. The effects of smoking marijuana are immediate; which is very different than waiting for a pill to disintegrate and migrate throughout the bloodstream to become effective. Eight States started to approve the use in 1970 and more in 1980 as more studies were proving the benefits, even though these state approvals defied the policies of the federal government.

Since the proof has become overwhelming there have been twelve medical organizations that have supported the use of medical marijuana including The American Medical Association. Although there are some organizations that have not come on board, even though it helps the patients they represent. Organizations such as American Cancer Society, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

There is criticism against the use of medical marijuana; in 2006 the FDA advised against smoking the drug because smoking is harmful. According to the website Wikipedia, the Institute of Medicine conducted studies that showed there were no benefits for any of these conditions and that smoking marijuana is highly addictive and does not mitigate any symptoms or promote treatment None of the studies claim to reverse or cure these diseases, the use is merely a way to keep these patients more comfortable and give them back a certain quality of life that they may not have had if not for the medical use of marijuana.

Availability is not as widespread as one would think with all the new evidence. It is available is Austria, Canada, Spain and the United States. An example of one of the thirteen states that has approved marijuana use for medical purposes is Rhode Island. The State allows a patient under the care of a practitioner for the following diseases cachexia, cancer, glaucoma, hepatitis C, debilitating pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe muscle spasm, multiple sclerosis, crohns, IBS and alzheimers disease. The patient or the primary caregiver may legally possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana and/or twelve plants stored at an indoor facility. The state does have a registry and issues identification cards stating the marijuana is for medical purposes and is legal for them to carry. Most states have similar laws and similar amounts stated in the law. Each state has their own website to see what the regulations are; however, you can find Rhode Island's regulations at www.health.state.ri.us if you need an application and believe you fall within these guidelines the website is www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php.

It has been used all through history ancient Greece, ancient India, Ancient Egypt, Medieval Islamic world all used cannabis for the same symptoms that we are studying now; everything from glaucoma to mental illness to spastic muscle diseases. The studies need to continue to find out more about its benefits. If it makes a terminally ill person more comfortable during their illness and in their last days, why shouldn't they have that right? Would you take away a cancer patient's morphine during the same time frame because it's addictive?

There are some other studies that can be referenced through their websites:

Cannabidiol A novel inhibitor of Id-I gene expression in aggressive breast cancer cells

Cannabis in the Ancient World Cannabis Effects www.lycos.com/info/cannibas-effects

Synthetic THC / Marinol www.ardpark.org/marinol_research.htm