The medical marijuana debate

Of course, no one should blame the Boomers. Theyand some brain damage. But there is also an
just happened to be the largest group to challengeimpressive body of international evidence proving
the political and medical communities' view thatmarijuana highly effective in giving pain relief. The use
marijuana (aka cannabis) was a dangerous drug andhas to build up over at least six months. Once a
its use should continue to be a crime. Thestable concentration is achieved in the blood stream,
establishment ignores the facts. In many countriesit relieves chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia,
around the world, marijuana is considered a medicinemultiple sclerosis and cancers. The second justification
and routinely used both for inhaling and as an infusionis fiscal. The sale of medical marijuana already makes
for drinking. But what they do in other countriesa significant contribution to state funds through the
should have no bearing on what happens in the US.tax system. In a recession, all contributions are
Libertarian arguments that all drug-taking is victimlessgratefully received. If the outright legalization goes
has also never really taken off. The cost of lostthrough in California, it is estimated the annual tax
production forces us to pay higher prices for goodstake will rise from about $200 million to $1.5 billion. It
and services. The cost of hospital treatment for drugwill also lead to a better system of regulation so that,
abuse means every taxpayer is a victim. So thelike alcohol, its distribution can be controlled. None of
Republican "tough on crime" policies have alwaysthis changes the need for "conventional" drugs to
favored the use of the criminal law to penalize thoserelieve pain. Tramadol in its different forms will remain
who abuse drugs. Yet, looking around the US todaythe first response to moderate to severe pain. But in
sees a different landscape. Fourteen states havechronic cases, the continuing use of any drug can
passed laws allowing the use of marijuana forlead to dependence and the debate shifts. Which of
medicinal purposes. Leading the way, as always,the drugs is better when use may be indicated for
California has a proposition in the November midtermsyears? In the fourteen states with Illinois perhaps
to legalize marijuana outright. What has happened toabout to join them, the option of marijuana rather
produce such a revolution? There are two answers.than tramadol is there to be freely made. Legalization
The first has been a general toning down of thehas undermined the criminal gangs and reduced prices.
rhetoric in favor of scientific debate. When marijuanaThe quality of the product is also guaranteed
was first criminalized back in the 1930s, the medicalwhereas, on the street, marijuana can be cut with
profession stood together and denounced the drugmany strange and sometimes dangerous substances.
as a tool of the Devil, tempting people into sin andThis is the practical reality on the ground and there is
depravity. Today sees a significant number ofno point in trying to turn the clock back. Pain
doctors singing a different tune. First, a gesture tomanagement in these states now includes marijuana.
the traditional group: there is no doubt that smokingFor those who disapprove, tramadol and the other
marijuana can and does cause lung cancer and, overtraditional drugs remain available.
time, there is evidence suggesting loss of memory