"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.
Right- THC can’t be fatal. Think again. The route of administration by smoking dope- has vastly more carcinogens than Camel no filters. How do you overcome the aqueous solution issue? you solvate it in water and steam inhale it(that of course never crossed the mental midgetry of whomever wrote the “review” an obvious non-clinician) oral admin is not the only way. Whoever wrote this excerpt has zero experience in clinical pharmacology. All dressed up and full of crapola. But, why let clinical pharmacology and reality get in the way of the need for the general population to be stoned and hooked on yet another agent— which will of course, not be enough. 30 years in clinical pharmacology, forensic and investigative/proprietary biochemistry in agri-business and veterinary and human medicine. There are legal, excellent means to help these patients— and this and all other “street” grown/distributed kabuki are lies- plain and simple. The test market of Colorado has more than proven this. Alcohol is certainly bad enough. The Amsterdam answer is no answer at all. What is also fascinating is new British data on the genetic markers for many forms of cancer— the markers exist in the genome, and demonstrated environmental triggers accelerating the cancers— tobacco and other plant source chemicals that are inhaled through smoke. Far more carcinogens in pot than the best RJ Reynolds can produce with all their flavourizing and additives. So, to “help” the sick we should make this available to our youth to expand the patient base for CA? Wonderful.