Indeed- we already have prescription THC (highly potent form) in Marinol— legal THC prescribed quite a lot for cancer and other patients. People don’t need to go to a head shop for administration of the active ingredient, particularly when there have not been ANY double blind true studies to prove any pain alleviation or other efficacy.
Physicians have a rather large variety of other agents to help people, including opiates and Class 2 pain meds.
This is a non-starter ballot option, because the money made from any “legalized” pot will not— under FL banking laws, be allowed to be deposited in a bank— so all sorts of criminal cover and criminal element will get involved, more than they already are.
"The poor solubility of Marinol in aqueous solutions and its high first-pass metabolism in the liver account for its poor bioavailability; only 10-20% of an oral dose reaches the systemic circulation. The onset of action is slow; peak plasma concentrations are not attained until two to four hours after dosing. In contrast, inhaled marijuana is rapidly absorbed. In a study comparing THC administered orally, by inhalation, and intravenously, plasma concentration peaked almost instantaneously after both inhalation and intravenous administration" ( http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6376&page=203)
"for certain patients, such as the terminally ill or those with debilitating symptoms, the long-term risks [of smoking] are not of great concern. [...] it will likely be many years before a safe and effective cannabinoid delivery system, such as an inhaler, is available for patients. In the meantime there are patients with debilitating symptoms for whom smoked marijuana might provide relief. [...] Until a nonsmoked rapid-onset cannabinoid drug delivery system becomes available, we acknowledge that there is no clear alternative for people suffering from chronic conditions that might be relieved by smoking marijuana, such as pain or AIDS wasting." ( http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=6376&page=7 and page 8)
Physicians have a rather large variety of other agents to help people, including opiates
Opiates are much more addictive than THC - and unlike THC can be fatal. And why is it government's job to decide when we have "enough" medicines for a given condition? Leave it up to doctors and patients.
Excellent points.