MEDICAL MARIJUANA: THE TIME HAS COME TODAY
At last medical marijuana is no longer the stigma-bearing drug of choice in at least thirteen states. Those who have a doctor’s prescription which validates the use of marijuana for medical purposes will not be targeted in criminal prosecutions. There are, of course, caveats and that is fine. In part the memo states that “prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority.” Some of the medical problems which are recognized to be alleviated by use of marijuana are the following: AIDS, Alzheimer’s Disease, Arthritis, Chemotherapy, Crohn’s Disease, Epilepsy, Migraines, Multiple Sclerosis, Glaucoma and Terminally Ill.
I had already instructed my husband that if/when I ever become afflicted with one of the above, he should “hit the streets” and get me help. Since the state in which I live has not agreed to medical marijuana use, he may still need to do that one day. The time has come today to release the social stigma associated with medical marijuana.
—cher
Harrison on 22 Oct 2009 at 12:32 pm #
My experience in Kalifornia with people who have it for “medical” use is they are just stoners with made-up problems. I was told for $50 I could see a doctor who would give me some “issue” like depression or whatever so I could become a stoner, too. I’m sure there are some for whom it is legitimate.
admin on 22 Oct 2009 at 12:47 pm #
Harrison,
Even with the prescriptions of today’s norm, there are abuses. Those who seek to abuse will always find a way. I had a friend who died young of pancreatic cancer. Marijuana was the only thing that gave him relief. His wife got it on the “street,” and that was really taking a risk. It can have additives of who knows what. This way it is at least controlled to some extent.
bluzdude on 22 Oct 2009 at 12:51 pm #
I’m sure that there are those that abuse the system. I am also sure that there are those that own any reasonable quality of life to getting some medical marijuana. The idea is a good one… the challenge is to find a way for it to go to the people that need it, without the stoners and those that cater to them fouling the system.
It’s easy to dismiss an idea when the problem does not apply to YOU. That’s where a little empathy comes in… but oh yeah… The right is against “empathy”, unless it’s having empathy for all those poor CEOs that just got their ill-gotten gains cut.
Personally, I don’t use. Never cared for it. However I also think it should be legalized and taxed, just like cigs and booze. I don’t see where pot is any more dangerous than the legion of substances that are mass produced and profitted from. Legalizing it could go a long way toward reducing the criminal element involved with growing and selling. And isn’t that a reasonable goal? That, and a bunch of people with the munchies boosting the business of 7-11s all over the country.
admin on 22 Oct 2009 at 3:18 pm #
bluzdude,
You addressed this brilliantly. “Empathy” is indeed the key. I guess if one has never been in a situation of dire medical need, they may not understand. Greed, well, that’s a different story. One day that greed which nearly drove our country to ruin will bite them on the arse. I believe in the power of poetic justice.
I used weed “back in the day.” Most of us did. But then I became an adult with responsibilities and needed my wits about me. Unlike the beliefs of far too many, it never lead me to use or even try anything harder. Let’s get out of the roaring twenties mode of prohibition. You are right. Legalizing it would bring many criminals to their knees. For now, at least make it available in all states for those who need medical relief, not to mention the 7-11 stores which would get a boost in munchie business!
Greg on 22 Oct 2009 at 7:16 pm #
Marijuana is no less or greater a threat to society than Prozac..or any of the pain-killers that people get legal prescriptions for on a daily basis..It’s probably less addictive than nicotine or booze.
The war on drugs has accomplished very little except take away our constitutional rights, put petty criminals behind bars and cost billions that could easily be spent elsewhere..
DorothyL on 22 Oct 2009 at 7:44 pm #
Mary Jane has been legal for medicinal use in Canada for many years now.
As you say…an addict will abuse no matter what the substance is and/or no matter how easy or hard it is to attain!
I have a cousin who has had testicular cancer for years and he has been on the prescribed version of Mary Jane for years.
Is he addicted to it….I would say most definitely…he also has no limit to how much he needs to feel no pain.
It has been said that the only reason the Government will not legalize drugs is because it will put thousands of people out of work.
Yet another piece to the puzzle …I wonder if we will ever be able to put it all together
Dr. James A. Lee on 22 Oct 2009 at 8:00 pm #
This is an excellent post. We need more natural remedies. The Native American had a better sense of these matters. The laws some times get in the way because of politics. Great post. Thank you…
admin on 22 Oct 2009 at 8:50 pm #
Greg,
I agree with you completely. Why are petty weed sellers behind bars while true criminals roam freely. AIG execs, for example.
admin on 22 Oct 2009 at 8:55 pm #
DorothyL,
“It has been said that the only reason the Government will not legalize drugs is because it will put thousands of people out of work.” What a powerful statement and so true.
There really are many pieces to the puzzle, but when my pieces fall to chemo or other wretched ailments, I would hope that somehow marijuana will be available to see me through to a comfortable life-conclusion. Oh D, so many questions, so few answers….
admin on 22 Oct 2009 at 8:56 pm #
Dr. James A. Lee,
Your thoughts about “natural remedies” were very insightful. We are honored to see you here.
Harrison on 22 Oct 2009 at 11:45 pm #
Empathy is great but if you are a judge you go by the LAW.
For everyone else, give to charity or at church (which, by the way, Conservatives do in great dollar amounts than Liberals do).
Bring Back Pluto on 23 Oct 2009 at 5:42 am #
I’ll even take this further. It should just be legalized. If people can go down the street and buy a bottle of poison, why can’t they smoke a plant?
I don’t see any difference honestly and it would probably solve a lot of other problems too.
I’m for legalizing everything, but that’s just me. I’m just one GUY!
admin on 23 Oct 2009 at 8:44 am #
Harrison,
My, that is a bit of a jaded opinion. Laws can and are changed by public consensus through Representatives and Senators. And I certainly beg to differ with you about which political bent donates more to charity or churches. You could have NO data supporting that since many donations are given anonymously.
admin on 23 Oct 2009 at 8:46 am #
BBP,
Great points! Legalization of marijuana is long overdue. We value the THE GUYS, so I take your opinion to heart.
PJ on 23 Oct 2009 at 9:55 am #
great post! my opinions on marijuana are that it should be legalized. i have never seen a report that marijuana alone has caused any accidents, like driving while drunk from alcohol. there are so many other nasty things out there that are being prescribed by doctors that are causing a lot more harm. i agree that it should be taxed as well. think of the revenue that it would generate, the freed up jail space, there is just nothing, in my opinion, that would be bad from legalizing marijuana.
have a great day…hugz!
admin on 23 Oct 2009 at 10:39 am #
Dear PJ,
Here, here! And cheers to you. Let’s bring weed “out of the closet,” tax it like alcohol and cigarettes and voila! A fine source of revenue along with abating some horrible effects of illnesses.
Hugz, my friend!
Tiff on 23 Oct 2009 at 11:57 am #
We’ve decided, if either one of us would be in a situation where we’d benefit from medicinal marijuana…. we are going to apply for this job..
http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/20/medical.marijuana/index.html?iref=newssearch
You’d be a great candidate, as well. Not that I’m wishing illness upon you… Just sharing an odd opportunity.
Hans on 25 Oct 2009 at 11:14 am #
İn Holland is Marijuana for free..))!
And since its legal, decrease in use…
admin on 25 Oct 2009 at 11:52 am #
Hans,
I do find the “decrease in use” a good point. People always seem to want what they cannot have.
That is most interesting. It would never be free here. We are very conventional and love our taxes!