| If you are wearing medical uniforms, with health on | | | | Many physicians give their opinions why they are |
| top of your mind, will you suggest the use of | | | | against it. Medical marijuana procon website listed |
| cannabis to your patient? While the American Medical | | | | some of what physicians say about the issue. Richard |
| Association and other big health organizations | | | | Carmona, MD, U.S. Surgeon General, told New York |
| supporting further research on any therapeutic | | | | Times Magazine, "I approach [the medical marijuana |
| benefits, physicians too, should have a clear stand on | | | | issue] not as a legal issue, but as a health issue and I |
| this issue. | | | | cannot recommend to anyone that they smoke. First |
| As we can see, more and more states and cities in | | | | of all, smoking is so bad for you. I can't say it would |
| the U.S. are drafting and passing bills that would | | | | be safe to eat [marijuana], because no one has |
| legalize ganja. However, amidst debate, pot shops | | | | studied the long or short-term gastrointestinal |
| are selling marijuana like candies; and they are | | | | effects." |
| sprouting like mushrooms. Within the 13 states where | | | | With the studies done on heroin, however, medical |
| there is an existing marijuana law, its legal status is | | | | experts likewise opened the door for cannabis. What |
| still behind the smoke. In fact, some so called | | | | should this tell? That we wait until there is solid proof |
| patients end up in jails. | | | | about the medical advantages of marijuana before it |
| Why should doctors take a firm stand? Primary | | | | is widely and legally marketed. We are not closing |
| reason, marijuana is listed as Schedule I in federal | | | | doors on the possible medical gains. But it is also |
| drug laws, which means it has no legitimate medical | | | | important to always go by what FDA says as safe |
| use. Secondly, no medical authority recognizes it as | | | | drugs. |
| effective treatment for any condition. It may bring | | | | At this point though, what we can see is that pot |
| some easing effects on patients with long list of | | | | vendors and users took advantage of legalization |
| diseases, medical conditions or symptoms, but | | | | possibilities. Sadly, its effects are taking toll in |
| scientific evidence is lacking. | | | | communities, especially the young groups. |