Pubdate: Fri, 06 May 2011 Source: Norwich Bulletin (CT) Copyright: 2011 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.norwichbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2206 Author: Roberta M. Helming Note: Roberta M. Helming is a freelance writer from Ledyard and regular contributor to The Bulletin. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/oxycontin.htm (Oxycontin/Oxycodone) IF LEGALIZED, MARIJUANA MAY HAVE SOME VALUE A legislative committee has voted in favor of permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes, bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law. I'm open-minded yet skeptical. If it's strictly monitored - keeping abuse to a minimum - and results in better pain management for those suffering, it might warrant being lawful. Although the measure would allow for the dispensing of only small amounts of medicinal marijuana, marijuana itself is readily available on the streets if the prescribed dosage isn't effective. Doctors would carry a heavy burden, needing to maintain vigilance and be watchful for abuse. I guess they also would need to see patients frequently, ensuring use is directed and is helping patients as intended. I hope the legalization of medicinal marijuana will prove to be the result of careful studies and its benefits for sufferers of pain to justify the legalization of such a potentially addictive substance. No matter how many safeguards are in place for dispensing it, this drug - as with any other prescription drugs - will be abused by some. But now it's moved beyond the study phase and being considered for distribution to the population at large under an "honor system," that trusts people will not abuse it, as with any prescription. Is it a gateway? With the history of marijuana suggesting it may lead to the use of harder drugs such as meth and Oxycontin, let's hope that the homework done was thorough and that it will be released showing tremendous benefits. If that is the case, then legalizing marijuana may be warranted. But it also begs the question: Are we, as a society, heading down a dangerous path by introducing it to people who would never have sought it for recreational use? Unfortunately, we live in a society of instant gratification, which may lead to abuse. If this law is passed, let's hope abuse is minimal. Those benefiting from it also have an obligation to others. Imagine living in a rooming house with someone entitled to medicinal marijuana. Legally, he or she can't be evicted, and yet the smell of marijuana may be offensive to others who must live with it or move. Using it in public also raises some concerns. But overall, if it's certain that there is no other pain-based drug available, medicinal marijuana does seem to offer potential to help sufferers of chronic pain. As such, legalization with strict monitoring may be a controversial step worth taking. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake