[NorthstarMom]

I’m still on the fence. My dad has horrible back pain and nerve damage. His first back surgery was in 1981. That is many, many years of constant pain. Because of this, he is on strong pain relievers and will be for life. I’ve learned that some of them, like oxycodone, contain artificial heroin. I’ve seen what decades of prescription painkillers does to a person. Could medical marijuana really be that much worse?

I recently had a minor surgery and Vicodin was prescribed. I chose to suffer for a few days rather than take that drug. I’m grateful that, for me, the pain was temporary. If I was looking at years of debilitating pain I would be looking for relief.

[Persevero]

I don’t think many would oppose its use for true pain relief. That’s not how it’s being used, of course, by most.

I don’t oppose the use of opiates for true pain relief, either. Of course they have their bad side effects, but it’s always a cost/benefit analysis.

[Bullish]

Could medical marijuana really be that much worse

If you don't mind adding chronic COPD, bronchitis and very possibly lung cancer at some point to his back pain then maybe not.

More harm comes from smoking weed then any possible pain relief is worth.

[BitWielder1]

All drugs and medicines are poisons but when you need a specific one, by all means take it. That includes pot.
Just use the proper dose that alleviates your problem, no more than that.
That's what druggies have problems with, self control. They don't stop when they should.

[Migraine]

Hard cases make bad law.

Besides, “medical marijuana” laws are just the gateway for overall legalization.