Pubdate: Sun, 29 Jun 2014
Source: Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)
Copyright: 2014 The Plain Dealer
Contact: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/letter-to-editor/
Website: http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/342
Author: Marcie Seidel

MEDICAL MARIJUANA FAR FROM MIRACLE CURE

Marijuana as medicine  it is a term that is now widely used and widely
accepted.

It is a concept that has some singing the praises of this plant,
claiming near-miraculous results from the use. When we really look
closer, however, marijuana is more like one of those infomercials late
at night that make claims of miraculous weight loss, stick-free
cooking and unbelievably better skin.  Those lengthy commercials all
have the stories from "satisfied customers," who claim that the
product not only delivers the specified results but makes other
aspects of their own lives so much better.

However, have you ever bought a product from an infomercial? They are
not as easy to use as advertised, results are often frustrating, life
really isn't any easier or better and we are left with buyer's remorse.

As one really takes a look beyond individual stories of "miracles," a
person can see that smoked marijuana in raw form really is not a
medicine at all. To be clear, there are molecules within the marijuana
plant that have promise for some types of ailments. However, just as
there are molecules within snake venom that create medicines that
treat heart attacks, high blood pressure and other blood disorders,
snake venom in its raw form is not only dangerous but can be fatal.

Medicines are developed relying on years of tests for safety and
effectiveness of each dose taken, not using stories, but instead
relying on scientifically-based evidence that proves that each
medicine treats disease and even suggests possible negative side
effects when taken.

And, what about all of those other states who have legalized marijuana
to be used as a "medicine"? Surely, there have been great results in
not only providing relief for those in dire medical situations, but
also giving communities safer neighborhoods, another claim of pro-pot
advocates.

Again, the positive stories from the great "infomercial" of marijuana
do not come close to the consequences that these states have had to
face. Those who are using marijuana for so-called medicinal purposes
are young people under 40 years of age who overwhelmingly use
marijuana for "chronic pain," which includes ailments such as
high-heel syndrome and writer's cramp.

Some of the costs to communities are even greater, with increased use
by teens (National Council of State Legislatures) in states with
medical marijuana programs, crime concerns surrounding grow houses and
dispensaries and business concerns with employee impairment issues and
a number of lawsuits against employers by marijuana users. More
importantly, cities in California, Oregon and Colorado have banned the
growing, production or selling of marijuana because of increased crime
and other major community issues.

Is marijuana really a medicine or is it simply a slick infomercial
that is being sold to us by a bunch of slippery salesman promising
results that it simply can't prove?

The American Medical Association, National Glaucoma Foundation and the
American Society of Addiction Medicine are just a few of the vast
majority of reputable medical associations that have decried marijuana
as a medicine.

Miraculous claims made by late-night infomercials rarely turn out to
be reality, as you might already know, and marijuana comes from the
same mold. Be careful before you buy into the infomercial that is
"medicinal marijuana" as experiences in other states are already
giving us the knowledge that we will only be left with a big case of
buyer's remorse.

Marcie Seidel is Executive Director of Drug Free Action Alliance, a
statewide non-profit focused on the promotion of individual and
community health through the prevention of substance abuse. She
writes in opposition to use of medical marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt