Published by learnaboutsam
As the conversation about marijuana becomes more prevalent in the United
State the SAFE Coalition feels it is important that you are aware of the
viewpoints and stances of national organizations on the legalization of
marijuana.
American Society of Addiction
Medicine: “ASAM asserts that cannabis,
cannabis-based products and cannabis delivery devices should be subject to the
same standards that are applicable to other prescription medications and
medical devices, and that these products should not be distributed or otherwise
provided to patients unless and until such products or devices have received
marketing approval from the Food and Drug Administration. ASAM rejects smoking
as a means of drug delivery since it is not safe. ASAM rejects a process whereby
State and local ballot initiatives approve medicines because these initiatives
are being decided by individuals not qualified to make such decisions.”
American Glaucoma
Foundation: “Marijuana, or
its components administered systemically, cannot be recommended without a long
term trial which evaluates the health of the optic nerve. Although marijuana
can lower IOP (Intraocular Pressure), its side effects and short duration of
action, coupled with a lack of evidence that its use alters the course of glaucoma,
preclude recommending this drug in any form for the treatment of glaucoma at
the present time.”
National Multiple
Sclerosis Society: “Although it is
clear that cannabinoids have potential both for the management of MS symptoms,
such as pain and spasticity, as well as for neuroprotection, the Society cannot
at this time recommend that medical marijuana be made widely available to
people with MS for symptom management. This decision was not only based on
existing legal barriers to its use but, even more importantly, because studies
to date do not demonstrate a clear benefit compared to existing symptomatic
therapies and because issues of side effects, systemic effects, and long-term
effects are not yet clear.” — Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cannabis in
Multiple Sclerosis: Executive Summary. National Clinical Advisory Board of the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Expert Opinion Paper, Treatment
Recommendations for Physicians, April 2, 2008.http://www.nationalmssociety.org.
The American Academy
of Pediatrics (AAP) believes that
“[a]ny change in the legal status of marijuana, even if limited to adults,
could affect the prevalence of use among adolescents.” While it supports
scientific research on the possible medical use of cannabinoids as opposed to
smoked marijuana, it opposes the legalization of marijuana. — Committee on
Substance Abuse and Committee on Adolescence. “Legalization of Marijuana:
Potential Impact on Youth.” Pediatrics Vol. 113, No. 6 (June 6, 2004):
1825-1826. See also, Joffe, Alain, MD, MPH, and Yancy, Samuel, MD.
“Legalization of Marijuana: Potential Impact on Youth.” Pediatrics Vol. 113,
No. 6 (June 6, 2004): e632-e638h.
Similarly, Dr.
Christian Thurstone, a psychiatrist board-certified in general, child and
adolescent and addictions psychiatry, who serves as an associate professor of
psychiatry at the University of Colorado and as medical director of one of
Colorado’s largest adolescent substance-abuse-treatment programs, said: “In
the absence of credible data, this debate is being dominated by bad science and
misinformation from people interested in using medical marijuana as a step to
legalization for recreational use. Bypassing the FDA’s well-established
approval process has created a mess that especially affects children and
adolescents. Young people, who are clearly being targeted with medical
marijuana advertising and diversion, are most vulnerable to developing
marijuana addiction and suffering from its lasting effects.”
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