Should everyone have access to medical marijuana?
distribution | outweigh | anecdotal | front | sought
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Think Scientifically
Think Scientifically
Ms. Kahn’s class was discussing how marijuana may or may not be helpful for certain medical conditions and how it is distributed. “My grandfather has chronic pain from cancer in his bladder,” said Mario. “He sought help from his doctor. The doctor recommended medical cannabis to relieve the pain, and it’s helping a lot. Since it’s illegal in other states, though, not everyone with a similar problem can get it. Plus, it’s not covered by insurance! We’re lucky that he’s able to afford it.”
“Wait a minute,” said Alyssia. “My aunt is going through chemotherapy, and she says that she uses a drug that has ingredients from marijuana in it. She doesn’t live in a state where medical marijuana is legal, but I’m sure her health insurance covers the drug she’s taking. Plus, I see products like lotion with pictures of marijuana plants and labeled ‘CBD’ in normal stores now. Isn’t CBD marijuana?”
“No way!” Mario pointed out, “I don’t think grocery store chains are selling it if the government considers it marijuana.”
Ms. Kahn stepped in. “You’re both onto something. The U.S. federal government still classifies marijuana as illegal, and since it isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), no insurance will cover patients using the drug for any purpose. However, the FDA has approved some products with THC and CBD. These are chemical compounds that can come from cannabis plants like marijuana or something similar called hemp. It can be confusing. I’m not sure I fully understand it, and as your teacher, I don’t want to give you an explanation that is just anecdotal. Let me do some research.”
“Sounds like tonight the teacher has homework!” joked Alyssia, “Does that mean we don’t?”
Ms. Kahn determined that she needed to describe the difference between hemp and marijuana in order to explain how some products are legal and others are not.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound found mainly in marijuana plants. It is responsible for the “high” produced by marijuana.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound found in marijuana or hemp. CBD from hemp has become popular in lotions, teas, and other products.
Where the federal government’s laws stand as of 2020:
Marijuana is an illegal Schedule 1 drug and has not been approved by the FDA, so CBD that comes from marijuana is illegal.
As of 2018, hemp is no longer a “controlled substance” and is therefore considered legal, as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. Most hemp products are not yet regulated by the FDA.
There are three drugs approved by the FDA that contain a synthetic form of THC, produced in a lab rather than extracted from cannabis. These drugs have been approved to treat severe nausea and vomiting caused by cancer drug treatment (chemotherapy).
There is also one drug containing CBD that is approved by the FDA to treat some forms of epilepsy.
How are the drugs approved by the FDA similar to or different than medical marijuana?
Discussion Question:
Many suggest that state laws allowing the distribution of a drug for medical purposes without FDA regulation are dangerous for patients. They say people should wait for the medical benefits of marijuana to be proven beyond just anecdotal evidence. They argue that the lack of FDA regulation should outweigh any possible benefits of medical marijuana use. What do you think?
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