[07055]

To this day I cannot understand the argument against the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

Please define "medical purposes."

The dopers' definition of the term includes every health condition known to man, including ingrown toenails.

[Dutch Boy]

If used as a medical drug it should be forced to follow the same drug approval guidelines that all other drugs must. This also must include side affects, cross drug interations and what every else takes place. It also must be produced under the same quality control regulations as all other meds. If it passes all the tests and is granted approval so be it.

My guess would be that to pass any test it would need to be in a non-smokeable form. If this made the drug affective at pain relief but didn't get you high you would see support for it drop to near zero.

[Lokibob]

I have Glaucoma. Pot has been proven as an effective treatment for glaucoma.

Today, I put 3 different drops in my eyes 3 times a day. It is like putting a drop of salt water in my eyes. But it is better than the alternative, going blind.

I do not use pot because it is against the law. That is the sole reason. I feel that an effective treatment is being denied me. And something that is a hell of a lot easier to do.

I'm not whining about myself. My drops are working and I expect to see for the rest of my life. I'm not sure, if offered pot by my doc, I would accept, since the drops are controlling my glaucoma. If I wanted to, I would buy it on the street, but I choose not to become a part of the drug culture.

That having been said, I really feel sorry for the cancer patients who also are denied the treatments. Chemotherapy sucks, so I have been told. Radiation therapy sucks, so I have been told. Both therapys make you sick to your stomach. You can't eat for days. Smoking pot gives you the munchies (I remember that much from the 60's), and if for that reason alone, I say give them their pot and some relief.

The fakers, the stoners, the people who have "BACK PAIN" need to be (pun intended) weeded out, but the truely sick need the treatments.

[evad]

Please define "medical purposes."

I would leave that up to the medical community and legitimate medical research...but, certainly glaucoma and cancer research look promising.

[Aunt Polgara]

The dopers' definition of the term includes every health condition known to man, including ingrown toenails.

Gee, 07055, where's your compassion? Don't you know that ingrown toenails frickin' hurt??!!