California State Medical Marijuana Patient Identification

Your Medical Marijuana Physician's Responsibilities

The physician caring for the qualified medical marijuana patient must fulfill the following criteria and responsibilities:

* Possess a license to practice medicine or osteopathy in California issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. This license must be in good standing.

* Take responsibility for an aspect of the medical care, treatment, diagnosis, counseling, or referral of the applicant (patient).

* Perform a medical examination of the applicant (patient).

* As a result of the medical examination, document in the patient’s medical record that the patient has a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate.

* Have the patient sign an authorized medical release of information. The county program cannot process the patient’s application without the appropriate authorization for release of medical information.

* Provide to the patient copies of the medical records stating that he or she has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate. You may use the Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records (PDF) form to serve this purpose (a copy must be kept in the patient’s medical record).

Your Medical Marijuana Physician's Responsibilities

The physician caring for the qualified medical marijuana patient must fulfill the following criteria and responsibilities:

* Possess a license to practice medicine or osteopathy in California issued by the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. This license must be in good standing.

* Take responsibility for an aspect of the medical care, treatment, diagnosis, counseling, or referral of the applicant (patient).

* Perform a medical examination of the applicant (patient).

* As a result of the medical examination, document in the patient’s medical record that the patient has a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate.

* Have the patient sign an authorized medical release of information. The county program cannot process the patient’s application without the appropriate authorization for release of medical information.

* Provide to the patient copies of the medical records stating that he or she has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition and that the medical use of marijuana is appropriate. You may use the Written Documentation of Patient’s Medical Records (PDF) form to serve this purpose (a copy must be kept in the patient’s medical record).

The National debate concerning the legalization of of medical cannabis, continues to be a hot topic…and not just the general public. Within the Facebook community the groups such as “Moms for Marijuana” and “Baby Boomers for Medical Marijuana” have as their principal ambition educating people, testing the predetermined ideas and battling the lack of knowledge with the only effectual weapon… Knowledge! As medical cannabis gains national acceptance as an alternative medication for many ailments, medical marijuana will gain its rightful place in the medicine cabinets of America.

A topic of invention in which one refers back to general events in the past or to what we can safely suppose will occur in the future based on proof from the past is referred to as common topic of past/future fact (Rhetoricae, 2009). Another commonly used term, as described in Sharon Crowley and Debra Hawhees' text, “Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students,” is common topic of conjecture. By using Aristotle's Topical System I was able to find out a lot of valuable proofs and information regarding medical marijuana use and their dispensaries in Colorado. More specifically, using the common topic of conjecture which answers the following questions: What exists? What does not exist? What is the size or extent of what exists? Did it exist in the past? Will it exist in the future? (Crowley & Hawhee, 2009) The following essay will explore these five statements of conjecture regarding the issue or marijuana in the state of Colorado.

When considering what exists in Colorado, in terms of medical marijuana, one could consult the information given in Amendment 20, passed November of 2000 where Colorado voters effectively legalized medical marijuana. Amendment 20 approves marijuana as a safe and effective medicine for people with: debilitating medical conditions including cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS and also in treating cachexia, severe pain, severe nausea, seizures characteristic of epilepsy, muscle spasms characteristic of multiple sclerosis, and other medical conditions approved by the state health agency (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 2009). Amendment 20 also states that anyone may petition “the Registry” to add a condition. The registry created by the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment confidentially maintains patients who have applied and are entitled to receive a registry identification card (Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, 2009).

Other regulations in place include the application process, which includes a cost of $90 a year. Any patient with a valid registry card may legally use marijuana for medicinal purposes and their caregiver, if one should exist, may assist them in doing so (Rhetoricae, 2009). Although regulations and rules for medical marijuana do exist here in Colorado, there is still the question of what doesn't exist in Colorado. One thing that doesn't exist is legal distribution of marijuana for non medical reasons. Taxation also doesn't exist for marijuana laws in Colorado, or in any other state.

Debates on marijuana extend beyond just Colorado laws; this situation expands out to all states. It has been said that replacing marijuana prohibition with a system of taxation and regulation similar to that used for alcoholic beverages would produce combined savings and tax revenues of between $10 billion and $14 billion per year,. This was found out in a June 2005 report done by Dr. Jeffrey Miron, and backed by more than 500 distinguished economists (Marijuana Policy Project, 2005).

More recently and specifically, it is estimated medical marijuana dispensaries could generate up to $15 million for Colorado state and up to $45 million in city and community taxes through the 3.62% city sales tax of medical marijuana dispensaries (Chapin, 2009). Even knowing that laws for marijuana haven't always existed; we can tell from recent events that more laws and regulations will be set in place. Senator Chris Romer plans to introduce comprehensive medical marijuana legislation in the nest Colorado General Assembly, which begins in January 2010 (Chapin, 2009). Coloradans, and others, are in favor of taxation on medical marijuana; not only to legitimize the practice but to clean up the industry in general. Put differently, if marijuana were legalized it
wouldn't be seen as such a negative practice, similar to how alcohol is legal and has set taxes and regulations.

With important dates set in January the future is already set in motion. There is a future in the laws of marijuana and starting in the new year they will unfold. Maybe Colorado will be an example state for others to follow in the near future.

References

Chapin, L. (November 23, 2009). Colorado Could Become First State to Regulate and Tax Medical Marijuana. Retrieved December 8, 2009 from www.usnews.com

Crowley, S. & Hawhee, D. (2009). Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students 4th Edition. Pearson Publication, Inc.

Rhetoricae, S. (2009) Common Topics of Invention: Circumstances. Retrieved December 19, 2009 from http://rhetoric.byu.edu/

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

Marijuana Medicine can help with many ailments. Marijuana 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 minority of people who use marijuana can find that they have developed a psychological addiction.| Since most people who use marijuana are not heavy chronic users statistically speaking very unlikely 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 medical Cannabis every day, you should take one day off per week or take one week off every three months.

References to the use of marijuana as a medical treatment date back nearly 5000 years. Western medicine began approved use of marijuana in the mid-1800's and continued to do so until 1941 when Congress passed the Marijuana Tax Act that severely limited physicians' ability to prescribe it. Interestingly enough, the American Medical Association (AMA) was one of the most active organizations against this ban

Medical marijuana use, under a doctors supervision, is legal in thirteen states with actual laws varying by state. These states are: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Each state does have its own set of rules and it would be advisable to check them frequently as laws are subject to change at any time. It is important to note that in May 2001 the Supreme Court ruled that federal laws make no exception for distributing or growing marijuana by a third party. Simplified, it means users need to grow their own marijuana for medical use as it is illegal for it to be grown by someone else.

The effects of marijuana on the brain are due to the active ingredient, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol or THC. THC acts on cannabinoid receptors on nerve cells and influences the activity of those cells. Cannabinoid receptors are found in many parts of the brain that can influence memory, pleasure, thought, concentration and coordination.

Both anecdotal and scientific research evidence suggests that marijuana provides relief to chronic pain sufferers with a variety of ailments ranging from back pain, migraines, glaucoma, cancer and many more. Research by Vinciqeurra et al. found that 78% of patients tested who were resistant to regular drugs for nausea became symptom free with inhaled cannabis use. There are more than 17,000 papers published that deal with scientific clinical research of the therapeutic value of cannabinoids.

One of the most widely known medical uses for marijuana is in treatment for the side effects of chemotherapy. It is used for the reduction of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. Another well known use is in the treatment of glaucoma. Many standard treatments have very adverse effects and little positive effect on end stage glaucoma. The use of cannabis lowers the intraocular pressure allowing patients to retain their sight and avoid the painful deterioration that leads to blindness.

Medical marijuana is being tested in its use for Multiple Sclerosis patients. At this time there is no known effective regular medical cure available. Cannabis has been found to have a significant effect on MS symptoms. Cannabis use has been found to reduce tremors, restore balance, stop muscle spasms and restore sight, speech and bladder control. Cannabis may even retard the progression of MS, according to the publication, Marijuana - The Forbidden Medicine.

Medical marijuana is also used for the treatment of other forms of pain. One subject suffered a major back injury and consequent surgery. The subject was offered opiate types of pain medication but found the simple use of marijuana was equally effective on the pain without the side effects of an opiate drug. Unfortunately this subject does not reside in a state that allows for the use of medical marijuana and will therefore not be quoted.

The short-term undesirable effects of marijuana include distorted perception, loss of coordination, difficulties with learning, problem solving and memory, and an increase in heart rate with a decrease in blood pressure. Some users may also experience fear, distrust or a feeling of panic. Most of the negative effects of tobacco smoking are also found in the smoking of marijuana. There is a possibility that frequent or prolonged use of marijuana may lead to significant impairment of the immune system and further studies should be part of any research, especially if marijuana is to be used by patients with compromised immune systems. Use of medical marijuana for reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma can also cause an unwanted drop in blood pressure. The heart rate of the user can increase by 20 or more beats per minute and can cause an increased risk of heart attack.

Many studies and clinical trials are now ongoing, mostly in countries more in favor of the use and further research is needed to fully weigh the pros and cons of medical marijuana use.

References:

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

U.S. National Institutes of Health

http://www.ukcia.org/research/ TherapeuticPotentialMedicalUse s.php

http://www.concept420.com/marijuana_medical_med_uses.htm