[Vision2020] Science supports use of medical marijuana

[Tom Hansen]

Courtesy of today's (July 29, 2011) Moscow-Pullman Daily News with special thanks to Arlene Falcon and County's own . . . State Representative Tom Trail.

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THEIR VIEW: Science supports use of medical marijuana


July 29, 2011

We are writing this joint response to John Carlson's Town Crier column in the Daily News (July 20 & 21) titled "No compassion in medical marijuana." He wrote that marijuana's medical uses are not justifiable scientifically. He is just simply wrong.

Former U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Joycelyn Elders wrote in 2004, "The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by multiple sclerosis, cancer, glaucoma and AIDS. It can do so with remarkable safety. Marijuana is less toxic and addictive than many drugs physicians prescribe."

A recent report from the Institute of Medicine concluded, "Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana."

Marijuana's active components can both stimulate appetite and reduce the nausea, vomiting and weight loss experienced by patients in many circumstances, including the side effects of opiate drug therapies given for cancer, HIV infection and hepatitis C.

Research in 2010 conducted at the University of California-San Diego reported that in five clinical trials medical marijuana was effective in reducing muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis and pain caused by certain neurological injuries or illnesses.

Canadian researchers in a double blind study confirmed medical marijuana was far more effective in reducing pain than opiate drugs such as morphine, produced fewer side effects than opiate drugs and was far more cost effective than high-priced opiate drugs.

In 2008, the American College of Physicians issued a position paper titled, "Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana." The ACP noted that marijuana has been used medicinally for centuries and that its medical usefulness has been demonstrated for a number of conditions.

A doctor here in Moscow prescribes medical marijuana to several patients who live in Washington state. The doctor states that "Marijuana is particularly effective for allowing patients to reduce their intake of opiate medications. Although there are some health risks associated with it, opiate side effects of nausea and vomiting and sometimes life-threatening constipation are not among them."

Support for legalizing medical marijuana comes from both political parties. Congressman and physician Ron Paul, R-Texas, supports the use of medical marijuana. He also advocates that health care decisions should be made by doctors and patients, not politicians or federal agents. Paul has introduced legislation in Congress to allow the states to determine whether or not to legalize medical marijuana. Bipartisan efforts in 16 states have led to the legalization of medical marijuana.

Nations around the world - including Canada, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Finland and Italy - have legalized the use of medical marijuana because of its efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness as compared to high-priced opiates. We need to join them.

Supporting medical marijuana makes sense scientifically, but it is also the right choice compassionately.

We have spoken with people who have debilitating or terminal diseases who are your friends and neighbors, and who are seeking relief from their continuous suffering. They have discovered that medical marijuana quells their pain and nausea and it improves their quality of life. They believe that the decision to use medical marijuana should be between the patient and physician.

Let's stop the inhumane medical care that denies effective relief to patients who need it most.

We are both working to support compassionate choices in medical care in Idaho. Rep. Tom Trail has introduced HB 19 to legalize medical marijuana. As the county coordinator for the Idaho Medical Choice Act, Arlene Falcon is gathering signatures for the initiative which will decriminalize medical marijuana in this state. Copies of the initiative petition are available for signing or distributing at her store, TyeDye Everything. For information, call (208) 883-4779.

Tom Trail, of Moscow, is a state representative. Arlene Falcon of Moscow owns TyeDye Everything, a small business in downtown Moscow.

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It's a win-win.

Legalize it.  Regulate it.  Tax it.

It really is that simple!

Seeya round town, Moscow.

Tom Hansen
Moscow, Idaho
 
"The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change and the Realist adjusts his sails."

- Unknown

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