TMoney21
New Member
I just stumbled upon an essay I wrote in college reguarding medicinal marijuana, thought I'd share. I hope it's enjoyable! My apologies for the poor formatting in the thread.
Mortar shells and bomb explosions are commonplace to Kari* for over 18 months. Each sunrise a gift, albeit a moment not be cherished long before the call of duty. The life of a machine gunner atop an Army Humvee took a daunting toll on her, physically and mentally. Kari, 19 and barely out of high school when she acquired the demanding position, was expected to be the eyes of her unit and obliged to fire at will if necessary. Far too often, it was necessary. Culture shock came with the mission, with only a week of integration to Iraqi customs before thrusting into the heat of war. (*Names have been altered to maintain confidentiality. However, the accounts of Kari are factual.)
There proved to be additional battles to face upon returning from Iraq. The memories are fresh, weighing on Kari. It only required one initial screening for her doctor to positively attribute her symptoms of anxiety and depression, and occasional mood swings to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her case is not debilitating, yet it interrupted daily life often enough to warrant professional counsel. Antidepressants supplemented weekly therapy sessions. Soon persistent headaches, nausea, and bouts of blurry vision added to the list of daily struggles; side effects of the medication. A handful of prescriptions were issued, each one causing similar side effects that counteracted the benefits.
Therapy was helping, but more was necessary to calm the nerves. A solider-friend of Kari’s stationed in California, recommended marijuana as an alternative medicine. He told her of numerous acquaintances who used cannabis dispensaries to acquire their “miracle medicine.” In California, medical marijuana is legal at the state level; in order for patients to purchase medical cannabis, they must present their prescription at a Cannabis Club in order to obtain medicinal “gifts” from the Club. A Cannabis Club essentially is the pharmacy of medical marijuana, a secure place for patients to pick up their prescription. Because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, code names are used when purchasing from a licensed provider, commonly referred to as a “caregiver,” in order to remain low on the radar as the federal government possesses power to trump state authority. Unfortunately, medically monitored use of cannabis is only legal in thirteen states--Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington with the feds keeping a keen eye on these states, awaiting opportunities to shut down unsuspecting dispensaries.
Eager to find a remedy to ease her suffering, Kari began diligently researching this new alternative and seeking out local sources so she could find out for herself if there was any truth to what she believed to be an unconventional medicine. She quickly found out that even if she was able to locate a provider, the transaction is illegal according to drug laws in Minnesota. Desperate for an effective treatment, she persisted anyway. It only took a week of self-medicating to realize she had found an ideal alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. She knew risks were imminent risks if using marijuana; namely the matter of administering a drug without a doctor’s supervision. Another consultation with her physician fostered serious talks concerning the pros and cons of medical marijuana; she brought a wealth of facts and he listened intently. To her surprise the doctor showed overwhelming support but was quick to turn the conversation towards potential side effects, which are fewer than those caused by almost all other prescription and over-the-counter medications. His main concern involved her means of administering the drug by smoking as the harmful effects from carcinogens mirror cigarettes. Occasional dizziness is the most common reported side effect of current medical marijuana patients. Another choice was offered, this one a legal option.
A synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active, medically beneficial component of cannabis, is available in the form of a time-release capsule, called Marinol and due to its relatively recent introduction into the world of pharmaceuticals it is only prescribed per request, as in the case of Kari. Typically Marinol is used by patients with terminal diseases such as HIV/AIDS and various forms of cancer to combat nausea, vomiting, and rapid weight loss. It is an intense replication of the natural substance that often proves to be debilitating for people using it to treat non-life threatening conditions; Kari gave it a try despite the odds that she might end up glued to a couch once the medication kicked in. The odds did not differ for her; she found the potency of Marinol extreme compared to the natural form of THC in marijuana which is a gradual relief that is incrementally administered. As an active person, Kari found such results undesirable, but many others suffering from terminal illnesses and the side effects of chemotherapy find Marinol beneficial regarding appetite stimulation. Yet it lacks crucial cannabinoids only found in natural cannabis that possess analgesic (pain relief), antispasmodic (muscle spasm suppressant), anxiolytic (anxiety relief), antipsychotic (anti-depressant), and antinausea properties. An additional setback of using Marinol is price as it is not yet included in most insurance plans, thus costing patients over $1,000 a week if used as recommended.
If only legislators at the federal level would take the time to comprehend the benefits of all-natural compounds found in medical marijuana, thousands of suffering souls could experience affordable relief from indescribable pain and weakness attributed to illness. I think of my late Aunt Patricia; although her disease had progressed to a terminal level when finally detected, she could have been relieved from chemo-related symptoms through administering medical cannabis in various and minutely harmful forms (compared to smoking) such as baked goods, lip balm, topical cream, vaporization, and throat lozenges, among numerous other mediums. I clearly recall her frequent yearnings to eat normal meals without vomiting before clearing the plate. Although I am unsure of her view on this form of medication, it is extremely frustrating that she was unable to obtain medical cannabis (if desired) in an effort to live out her final months with less pain and the joys of consuming her favorite foods. She’s but one being who could have suffered less with no detriment to anyone else.
By now, I can only hope that one is wondering “why in the hell does medical marijuana remain illegal in most states as well as at the federal level?” To put it bluntly, the answer lies in ignorance and propaganda. The Marijuana Tax Act was enacted in 1937, shortly after the end of alcohol prohibition and the drug was criminalized in 1967 , with little knowledge of how it affects the human body and mind. The federal government found content in deeming marijuana the “Devil’s Weed” and pushing the first anti-drug campaign, largely racist against all non-white ethnicities.
Flash-forward to the 21st century; racism is no longer the prominent force behind marijuana prohibition. Alcohol and pharmaceutical companies now play a key role in governmental decisions due to the massive amount of revenue they contribute to Uncle Sam. Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes would allow citizens to grow their own medication, as Californians already do, posing a significant threat to pharmaceutical giants who currently have the medication market cornered. Numerous government jobs—mostly law enforcement—are also being supported by marijuana prohibition; conveniently on the dollar of the hard working taxpayer.
What can society gain at large? Aside from a multitude of medical benefits, I feel it is important to mention that the United States economy could save an estimated 7.7 billion dollars annually by leaving alone law abiding citizens who choose an alternative form of medicine. This savings estimate stems from the amount of money spent to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate those who utilize medical marijuana. In addition to money saved by eliminating law enforcement costs, the government could tax marijuana to generate an estimated $17 billion in revenue yearly. These shocking statistics concern only marijuana and the benefits law changes could provide, with no consideration given to other drugs. Our nation could profit while needy patients benefit simultaneously.
Due to personal connections with people who could or have already experienced the benefits of medical marijuana, I refuse to stand by passively while innocent people are declined relief from a wide range of illnesses including many not previously mentioned: arthritis, epilepsy, glaucoma, menstrual cramps and labor pain, multiple sclerosis, migraines, neuropathic pain, paraplegia and quadriplegia, Pruritis (itching), and insomnia, with more medical uses being discovered each year. An increasing amount of empirical support is emerging to advocate that the benefits drastically outweigh the side effects of medical cannabis. After all, it’s only a plant.
Endnotes
2, 3, 5. Armentano, P. (2000-2009). National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Retrieved October 2009, from Marijuana Law Reform - NORML
4, 6-10. Kubby, E. R. (2003). Why Marijuana Should Be Legal. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press.
1. Paige, S. R. (2000-2005). Mental Health: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from WebMD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Atypical Alternative Medicine
Mortar shells and bomb explosions are commonplace to Kari* for over 18 months. Each sunrise a gift, albeit a moment not be cherished long before the call of duty. The life of a machine gunner atop an Army Humvee took a daunting toll on her, physically and mentally. Kari, 19 and barely out of high school when she acquired the demanding position, was expected to be the eyes of her unit and obliged to fire at will if necessary. Far too often, it was necessary. Culture shock came with the mission, with only a week of integration to Iraqi customs before thrusting into the heat of war. (*Names have been altered to maintain confidentiality. However, the accounts of Kari are factual.)
There proved to be additional battles to face upon returning from Iraq. The memories are fresh, weighing on Kari. It only required one initial screening for her doctor to positively attribute her symptoms of anxiety and depression, and occasional mood swings to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her case is not debilitating, yet it interrupted daily life often enough to warrant professional counsel. Antidepressants supplemented weekly therapy sessions. Soon persistent headaches, nausea, and bouts of blurry vision added to the list of daily struggles; side effects of the medication. A handful of prescriptions were issued, each one causing similar side effects that counteracted the benefits.
Therapy was helping, but more was necessary to calm the nerves. A solider-friend of Kari’s stationed in California, recommended marijuana as an alternative medicine. He told her of numerous acquaintances who used cannabis dispensaries to acquire their “miracle medicine.” In California, medical marijuana is legal at the state level; in order for patients to purchase medical cannabis, they must present their prescription at a Cannabis Club in order to obtain medicinal “gifts” from the Club. A Cannabis Club essentially is the pharmacy of medical marijuana, a secure place for patients to pick up their prescription. Because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level, code names are used when purchasing from a licensed provider, commonly referred to as a “caregiver,” in order to remain low on the radar as the federal government possesses power to trump state authority. Unfortunately, medically monitored use of cannabis is only legal in thirteen states--Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington with the feds keeping a keen eye on these states, awaiting opportunities to shut down unsuspecting dispensaries.
Eager to find a remedy to ease her suffering, Kari began diligently researching this new alternative and seeking out local sources so she could find out for herself if there was any truth to what she believed to be an unconventional medicine. She quickly found out that even if she was able to locate a provider, the transaction is illegal according to drug laws in Minnesota. Desperate for an effective treatment, she persisted anyway. It only took a week of self-medicating to realize she had found an ideal alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. She knew risks were imminent risks if using marijuana; namely the matter of administering a drug without a doctor’s supervision. Another consultation with her physician fostered serious talks concerning the pros and cons of medical marijuana; she brought a wealth of facts and he listened intently. To her surprise the doctor showed overwhelming support but was quick to turn the conversation towards potential side effects, which are fewer than those caused by almost all other prescription and over-the-counter medications. His main concern involved her means of administering the drug by smoking as the harmful effects from carcinogens mirror cigarettes. Occasional dizziness is the most common reported side effect of current medical marijuana patients. Another choice was offered, this one a legal option.
A synthetic form of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active, medically beneficial component of cannabis, is available in the form of a time-release capsule, called Marinol and due to its relatively recent introduction into the world of pharmaceuticals it is only prescribed per request, as in the case of Kari. Typically Marinol is used by patients with terminal diseases such as HIV/AIDS and various forms of cancer to combat nausea, vomiting, and rapid weight loss. It is an intense replication of the natural substance that often proves to be debilitating for people using it to treat non-life threatening conditions; Kari gave it a try despite the odds that she might end up glued to a couch once the medication kicked in. The odds did not differ for her; she found the potency of Marinol extreme compared to the natural form of THC in marijuana which is a gradual relief that is incrementally administered. As an active person, Kari found such results undesirable, but many others suffering from terminal illnesses and the side effects of chemotherapy find Marinol beneficial regarding appetite stimulation. Yet it lacks crucial cannabinoids only found in natural cannabis that possess analgesic (pain relief), antispasmodic (muscle spasm suppressant), anxiolytic (anxiety relief), antipsychotic (anti-depressant), and antinausea properties. An additional setback of using Marinol is price as it is not yet included in most insurance plans, thus costing patients over $1,000 a week if used as recommended.
If only legislators at the federal level would take the time to comprehend the benefits of all-natural compounds found in medical marijuana, thousands of suffering souls could experience affordable relief from indescribable pain and weakness attributed to illness. I think of my late Aunt Patricia; although her disease had progressed to a terminal level when finally detected, she could have been relieved from chemo-related symptoms through administering medical cannabis in various and minutely harmful forms (compared to smoking) such as baked goods, lip balm, topical cream, vaporization, and throat lozenges, among numerous other mediums. I clearly recall her frequent yearnings to eat normal meals without vomiting before clearing the plate. Although I am unsure of her view on this form of medication, it is extremely frustrating that she was unable to obtain medical cannabis (if desired) in an effort to live out her final months with less pain and the joys of consuming her favorite foods. She’s but one being who could have suffered less with no detriment to anyone else.
By now, I can only hope that one is wondering “why in the hell does medical marijuana remain illegal in most states as well as at the federal level?” To put it bluntly, the answer lies in ignorance and propaganda. The Marijuana Tax Act was enacted in 1937, shortly after the end of alcohol prohibition and the drug was criminalized in 1967 , with little knowledge of how it affects the human body and mind. The federal government found content in deeming marijuana the “Devil’s Weed” and pushing the first anti-drug campaign, largely racist against all non-white ethnicities.
Flash-forward to the 21st century; racism is no longer the prominent force behind marijuana prohibition. Alcohol and pharmaceutical companies now play a key role in governmental decisions due to the massive amount of revenue they contribute to Uncle Sam. Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes would allow citizens to grow their own medication, as Californians already do, posing a significant threat to pharmaceutical giants who currently have the medication market cornered. Numerous government jobs—mostly law enforcement—are also being supported by marijuana prohibition; conveniently on the dollar of the hard working taxpayer.
What can society gain at large? Aside from a multitude of medical benefits, I feel it is important to mention that the United States economy could save an estimated 7.7 billion dollars annually by leaving alone law abiding citizens who choose an alternative form of medicine. This savings estimate stems from the amount of money spent to arrest, prosecute, and incarcerate those who utilize medical marijuana. In addition to money saved by eliminating law enforcement costs, the government could tax marijuana to generate an estimated $17 billion in revenue yearly. These shocking statistics concern only marijuana and the benefits law changes could provide, with no consideration given to other drugs. Our nation could profit while needy patients benefit simultaneously.
Due to personal connections with people who could or have already experienced the benefits of medical marijuana, I refuse to stand by passively while innocent people are declined relief from a wide range of illnesses including many not previously mentioned: arthritis, epilepsy, glaucoma, menstrual cramps and labor pain, multiple sclerosis, migraines, neuropathic pain, paraplegia and quadriplegia, Pruritis (itching), and insomnia, with more medical uses being discovered each year. An increasing amount of empirical support is emerging to advocate that the benefits drastically outweigh the side effects of medical cannabis. After all, it’s only a plant.
Endnotes
2, 3, 5. Armentano, P. (2000-2009). National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Retrieved October 2009, from Marijuana Law Reform - NORML
4, 6-10. Kubby, E. R. (2003). Why Marijuana Should Be Legal. New York: Thunder's Mouth Press.
1. Paige, S. R. (2000-2005). Mental Health: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Retrieved October 7, 2009, from WebMD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
