vol1 - Page 102
Page 102
Previous ,
Next ,
Original Image
Return to Index
I_® DISCUSSION
Based upon the legal standards_ set forth above_
marijuana has a Rcurrently accepted medical use in treatment in
the United States _ for the indications of nausea, resulting from
anti_cancertherapy, and reduction of intraocular pressure in the
treatment of glaucomas Second, marijuana has been accepted by
the medical community as a means of treating spasticity. In the
alternatives since marijuana has had a imng history of medical
utility in treating spasticity_ and since it is extremely safe,
it should be made available to patients who have been unable to
treat their condition with conventionally-prescribed drugs.
A. _EATMENT OF E_ESIS RESULTINGJ_!C_N=__q_____A__
Marijuanaes most widely accepted medical use is the
control of nausea and vomiting resulting from anticancer £herapy_
Historically, marijuana was widely accepted by doctors as a valid
medicine for digestive upsets until almost the mid-Twentieth
Century. In the early 1970_s, cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy discovered marijuana was extremely effective in
controlling their emesis_ Marijuana quickly gained widespread
acceptance among cancer patients who i_nediately conveyed their
impressions to physicians° These anecdotal reports, in turn_
triggered medical studies which amply confirmed that marijuana
was equally, if not mores effective than conventionally-
prescribed antiemetics_ Since marijuana smoking also stimulated
a patient's appetite, was more convenient for the average patient
and proved to be a more efficient means of administering an
- 29 -
Previous ,
Next ,
Return to Index