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What is Marijuana? An Overview
By Christian Shire

Marijuana is the common name for the psychoactive genetic variation of the cannabis sativa plant. Used for over a thousand years in central Asia, it has been smoked for over a century in America, gaining wide usage during the counterculture 1960’s, and ever since then has been the most widely used illicit drug in America.

The strength and potency has increased greatly through advances in genetic manipulation and growing conditions (hydroponics), and today’s marijuana can be as much as 15 times stronger than the drug of the 1960’s and 70’s. This dramatic increase in potency has nullified much of our understanding of the effects of the drug, and any research done on the intoxication and damages of the smoked drug prior to about a decade ago do not accurately reflect the realities of today’s marijuana.

The main active ingredient is Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which binds to the CB1 receptors of our cannibanoid systems in the brain and throughout the body. It is the THC that gets you high, and it is the THC content that has been steadily increasing over the past decades.

Although THC is the primary intoxicating active substance, there are an additional 400 active or semi active substance present in varying degrees in different strains of marijuana. Of these 400 active substances, few have been clinically explored, and although they do certainly exert some psychotropic influence, researchers do not fully understand what this influence may be. Smokers will realize that variations in the expression of these different molecules cause the high from different types of marijuana to be quite different.

These 400 active molecules also seem important for the drugs efficacy as a medication, and although scientists have synthesized THC in a pill form, the absence of this comprehensive mix of other chemicals seems to decrease the usefulness of this synthesized medication. Medical marijuana remains a controversial topic, even within the medical community, and although a great many public health groups have called for its usage, the AMA and the FDA most notably oppose its approval.

What Happens When You Smoke Marijuana?

After smoking, the THC and other active chemicals are absorbed through the lungs and passed quickly into the bloodstream; and within about a minute the effects of the THC start to be felt. The intensity of the high will continue to increase for about 20 minutes, before plateauing and gradually leveling off over about 2 hours.

When you smoke, the THC absorbed into the bloodstream passes into the brain and attaches itself to receptors in the endo cannibanoid system, a system found throughout many higher order parts of the brain. Once these receptors in the brain are stimulated by THC, the user begins to experience changes in sensory perception, in time perception, in concentration and cognitive abilities, in coordination, and in appetite. The endo cannibanoid system is linked to the pleasure system of the brain, and when activated it causes a dopaminergic reaction, allowing for pleasurable and relaxed sensations in addition to these other sensory alterations. For the vast majority of users, marijuana provokes a relaxed and enjoyable high that lasts for a couple of hours, and leaves little obvious harm in its wake.

When marijuana is taken in very large doses, it can cause hallucinogenic reactions. Some users will also experience negative reactions to the drug, such as anxiety, paranoia and panic, and a full 30% of users who eventually give up the drug report that they do so as a result of these experienced negative sensations.

Marijuana amotivational syndrome…Does it exist? http://www.choosehelp.com/social-issues/marijuana-amotivational-syndrome

Read the daily blog entry at http://www.troubleblog.com/drugs-alcohol/marijuana/2007160/

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Is Marijuana Dangerous?
By Dan B. Clark

Is Marijuana dangerous is a question that could have as many different answers as the number of people you asked? Cannabis is a hot topic today as more and more states (not to mention countries) legalize medical marijuana more and more people become interested. There is a ton of information and most of it is contradictory. Anyone could win a debate on either side of the argument using articles based on findings from medical studies. It is as important to look closely at the company or organization that funds the study as well as the findings themselves. Politics often finds its way into such studies.

Is Marijuana dangerous can depend on what other substance we use for comparison? If we compare cannabis to a long list of FDA approved medications and the deaths and health complications attributed to said medications then Marijuana wins that argument. When pot is compared to other illegal “recreational drugs” it is the lesser of two evils. On the other hand just because there isn’t a line outside Drug Detox Clinics for those that smoke Marijuana doesn’t mean users are totally out of the woods.

A recent study at King’s College in London found that small amounts of trahydrocannabinol (THC), an active ingredient in marijuana, used by subjects in the study caused psychotic symptoms which included paranoia and hallucinations. Using MRI scans researchers discovered that the inferior frontal cortex which regulates paranoia is adversely affected by THC. Many patients in Drug Rehab Centers have a duel diagnosis; that is addiction and a mental health issue. Could there be a connection? There are no easy answers and in the end people have to make up their own minds. I just think there has to be more intense research by impartial laboratories before we have a definitive answer.

Dan C’s career in the addiction field spans twenty-five years. He has held positions in all phases of administration and clinical services in Treatment Facilities throughout the state of Florida. He is currently employed by http://www.recoveryconnection.org

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New Employee Benefits – Weed and Paid Leave?
By Elizabeth A Moreno

California is seeking to be the first State in the nation to mandate that employee’s get paid sick leave and continue to work while using Marijuana for medicinal purposes. At the California State Bar Conference of Delegates in September, California attorneys are seeking changes for weed and paid leaves.

The Medical Marijuana resolution would preclude a blanket employment prohibition for qualified medical marijuana patients, while allowing employers the right to restrict such patients from working in positions that directly affect other peoples’ health and safety, and maintain employers’ right to prohibit medical marijuana use in the workplace. This resolution seeks to overturn the recent California Supreme Court case of Ross v. Raging Wire Telecommunications Inc. (January 24, 2008) which allows an employer to deny employment to a qualified medical marijuana patient. This resolution basically mirrors the current resolution before the California Legislature, Assembly Bill 2279 which is aimed at protecting the employment of medical marijuana users in California. The bill leaves intact existing state law prohibiting medical marijuana consumption at the workplace or during working hours and protects employers from liability by carving out an exception for safety-sensitive positions. AB2279 is not about being under the influence while at work but allows an employee to work safely and who uses their doctor-recommended medication in the privacy of their own home, to not be arbitrarily fired from their jobs.

However, opponents argue that the most important, and irreconcilable, problem with this resolution is that marijuana use remains illegal under federal law, even for medical users, as the California Supreme Court recognized in the Ross v.RagingWire Telecommunications decision. Thus, California cannot, and should not, require employers to accommodate the use of illegal drugs by its employees. This is a major problem and even though some attorneys want the law changed and the California Supreme Court opinion reversed, the federal law will still get employees and employers into trouble.

The second resolution advocates that employers give mandatory paid sick leave to employees. This resolution would guarantee paid leave for employees who take time off due to their own illness or injury or to provide care to a sick or injured member of the employee’s immediate family. The California Legislature is currently addressing this issue. However, unlike the California State Bar Conference of Delegate Resolution, the proposed legislation caps annual paid sick time for medium-to-large employers to nine days and five days for smaller employers. Assembly Bill 2716, which is entitled the Healthy Families, Healthy Workplaces Act, cleared the Assembly and has been referred to the State Senate. Even if the Senate approves this bill, it is expected to be vetoed by the Governor. However, the issue may be resurrected again next year by the Legislature, if the resolution is approved this year at the September Conference of Delegates.

Elizabeth A. Moreno is a mediator and arbitrator and is a principal of Centurion Mediation, LLC which provides quality mediation for less than $300 per hour at a location convenient to the parties in the Los Angeles, California area. Ms. Moreno has mediated and arbitrated over 300 matters. She is serving a three year appointed term with the State Bar of California ADR Committee. Ms. Moreno practices in the following areas Insurance, Personal injury, Employment, Business Disputes, Real Estate, Malpractice, and Residential Construction Defect.

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The Pros and Cons of Using Marijuana with Hepatitis C
By Nicole Cutler

Chronic Hepatitis C is a disease that deserves more attention than it’s currently receiving from both the medical community and the public. Compared to well known diseases such as HIV/AIDS, this potentially fatal liver disease gets very little notice. Hepatitis C needs to be sent to the forefront in the medical world, especially since more than 170 million people worldwide have already been infected, and the rate of infection continues to increase. Medical marijuana, primarily used to help relieve the harsh side effects of Western medicine’s standard treatments, has been somewhat of a hot topic in the medical community lately, with valid arguments from both sides of the field. In the case of Hepatitis C, it can help alleviate the unbearable side effects for those currently undergoing a round of Interferon therapy.

Genotype 1 is the most common type of HCV in the United States. However, it has the lowest success rate with Interferon therapy, meaning re-treatment may be necessary for some. One possible reason for a low success rate is that many people can’t complete their treatment due to the side effects they experience, such as headaches, fatigue, and severe depression. Although it has no affect on the virus, medical marijuana may be able to reduce the severity of these symptoms, thus helping more people finish treatment.

Those who are against the use of medical marijuana point to its ability to damage their liver further, which may negate any positive results of treatment.

Regardless of which side of this issue you’re on, there’s no denying the results of numerous studies that show the positive, therapeutic benefits that medical marijuana can have on a patient with chronic liver disease. The opportunity to complete HCV treatment without being in severe pain and discomfort during treatment is something many patients would look forward to. This controversial treatment is already being used in some states for cancer patients and those infected with HIV.

To learn more about the pros and cons of using medical marijuana to enhance the benefit of Interferon treatment for Hepatitis C, read this entire article here.

This article was prepared for Hepatitis-Central.com. Visit us to learn more about liver health.

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On Medical Marijuana
By Ned Wicker

Over the years I have read a lot about the pros and cons of medical marijuana, and from time-to-time there is a piece on the news about it, usually profiling somebody who is in trouble with the law. The debate continues.

Marijuana is so common. It grows everywhere. During my days as a sports writer, I recall Hall of Fame baseball player Robin Yount’s hilarious story about marijuana plants growing in the outfield of the old Comiskey Park in Chicago, after the ill-fated “Anti Disco Night” fiasco between games of a double header. Fans got crazy when they lit a disco record bon fire in center field. They stormed the field and tore up the grass. The situation turned from silly to completely out of control in a matter of moments and it got so bad that the umpires ruled the field “unplayable,” forcing the White Sox to forfeit the second game. Robin said the Brewers were the next team in after the event and these “tiny little pot plants” were growing in the outfield grass.

People have been growing their own marijuana for years, or selling marijuana to earn extra money. It’s against the law, but most people sort of look the other way and don’t really care about it. They read about, or see a story about a person who is using marijuana to control pain, or for some other “medical” purpose and they think to themselves, “That’s not so bad, why don’t they leave him alone.”

I have a problem with “medical marijuana” for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, the medical or limited use of marijuana is just the tip of the iceberg, because the exceptions to the rule quickly expand. What starts out as a controlled activity ends up as either pseudo legalization, or a kind of tacit consent.

Laws concerning medical marijuana are a veil. Secondly, and more importantly, if marijuana can be grown so easily, and is so common, how can a physician prescribe marijuana with any sense that the drug will be used according to the prescription? Other drug groups such as opiates and barbiturates have strict controls, but even with those controls, the abuse is rampant. Any notion of controlling marijuana is a joke.

The fact that so many people view marijuana as harmless is bothersome. “Well, at least he isn’t drinking alcohol,” says a mother of her teenager’s marijuana use. Teenagers like to stretch their limits and test the boundaries of parental control. It’s an invitation for trouble because “limited use” turns into “unlimited use.”

The American medical network writes, “As with abuse of cocaine, opioids, and alcohol, chronic marijuana abusers may lose interest in common socially desirable goals and steadily devote more time to drug acquisition and use. However, THC does not cause a specific and unique ‘a-motivational syndrome.’ The range of symptoms sometimes attributed to marijuana use is difficult to distinguish from mild to moderate depression and the maturational dysfunctions often associated with protracted adolescence.

Chronic marijuana use has also been reported to increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in individuals with a past history of schizophrenia. Persons who initiate marijuana smoking before the age of 17 may subsequently develop severe cognitive and neuropsychological disorders, and may be at higher risk for later poly-drug and alcohol abuse problems.”

It’s a slippery slope we try to stand on when we take anything illegal and try to “pretty it up” to look legitimate. Are there legal and effective ways of helping chemotherapy patients deal with the side effects of their treatments? If chronic pain is an issue, is there no other way than marijuana for that condition? There are excellent arguments on both sides. I invite you to look at the postings on ProCon.org. There’s a lot there to read and ponder.

In closing, my objections, bottom line, are more on a moral level than a legal level. I view the legal level as a “Pandora’s box” and like so many other issues, you can get tangled up in the details and lose sight of the purpose. As for the moral objection, it is much more clearly defined for me. Marijuana is a dangerous drug from a moral perspective, because it represents the beginning of a long succession to a bad ending.

Ned Wicker is the Addictions Recovery Chaplain at Waukesha Memorial Hospital Lawrence Center He author’s a website for addiction support:

Drug-Addiction-Support.org

Drug Addiction Symptoms

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Medical Marijuana Access Regulations in Canada
By Beverly OMalley

Canada’s initiative to decriminalize marijuana is focused on terminally ill patients who benefit from the use of medical marijuana to relieve unbearable symptoms of chronic and terminal illnesses. The Marijuana Medical Access Regulations (MMAR) lists specific rules for Canadians to follow.

The (MMAR) gives the Canadian health care system a legal method to regulate individuals who use, cultivate, or store marijuana for medical purposes. The regulations are a result of an Ontario Court of Appeals ruling in 2000 that mandated the Canadian government to create new regulations within the year that focused on the medical marijuana issue. The court order included a stipulation aimed at getting the Canadian government to move on this issue. Basically the courts said that if the Canadian government had not completed the task of setting up regulations for the use of marijuana for medical purposes within the year then the Ontario courts would not prosecute as illegal the use, growth, or storage of marijuana. This clear message from the court was the first step in creating the MMAR. By 2001, the new medical marijuana regulations were in effect.

Research into the benefits of medical marijuana by modern scientists began in the 1800’s and William Brooke O’Shaughnessy of the Medical College in Calcutta is credited with the first research and introduction of the healing properties of marijuana to the Western medical community. For the remainder of the 19th Century, the plant was widely used in Western countries as a medicine for pain relief, muscle spasms, and stomach cramps. During this time it was effective in relieving many symptoms of chronic illness. Even though research continued to show the medicinal benefits of using the plant, new laws were beginning to be enacted in many countries that focused on the use of illegal drugs. Marijuana became one of the drugs encompassed by these new rules and regulations and as a result the ability to use it for medical purposes was taken away by governments that wanted to curb the use of illegal drugs by its citizens.

By eliminating the right to use marijuana legally, it became a black market product. Even though it was key to the relief of many debilitating symptoms of chronic and terminal illnesses, these laws made it illegal to use, grow, or store the plant even for personal use. Even possession of the plant was illegal. Such was the result of the criminalization of marijuana.

Now that the MMAR is in effect, the use of medical marijuana has been decriminalized. Marijuana has not been legalized however, and continues to be illegal to anyone without the proper license or authorization from the Canadian government.

The MMAR was created to regulate the growing, distribution, and use of marijuana for medical purposes. The regulations are broken down into different segments that describe the rules to follow for users, growers, storage facilities, and access to the drug through the Canadian health care system. Each segment provides direction for how a person can get get licensed, license renewals, and the amounts of medical marijuana that can be in possession at any one time. The latest statistics kept by the Canadian government (July 2008). show there are 1476 physicians authorized to prescribe the drug, while the number of Canadians authorized to possess, grow, or store it is 2812.

Medical Marijuana Users

The regulations state that an application must be made to the Canadian government, which includes personal information and identification. An authorization from a medical professional must accompany the license request, which states the types of ailments and the benefits that may be realized by the patient. The regulations also give the procedures for authorized users to follow when confronted by authorities who are inquiring about their use of the drug. All the steps involved in obtaining and maintaining a medical marijuana authorization is listed in the MMAR, and the Canadian government is bound to follow those rules until changed by new regulations or laws.

Marijuana Growers

The grower must make an application to the Canadian government with complete identification papers and plans for growing medicinal marijuana for the Canadian health care system and individual patients. Even though Canada has its own government-controlled herb growing company it is possible for private citizens to grow marijuana under the new regulations.

A plan for production and outlets for disposal must be included in the application so that the growing of the drug can be regulated and the quantity of drug can be monitored. For each license to grow medical marijuana, a limit to the amount a grower can produce is set. A license to grow medicinal marijuana does not give a grower the right to grow as much as they want. The quantity of drug produced must match the distribution points authorized by the Canadian government. All the steps in cultivation are monitored and tracked according to the new MMAR laws. The Canadian health care system is partly responsible for working with government agencies to insure that the regulations do not create a larger illegal marijuana problem by having legal growers producing too much of the drug which might find its way into the illegal markets.

The MMAR also has rules for the storage of marijuana destined for the medical community. An application must be made to the Canadian government that lists personal identification of the owner of the storage property, the property description, and the routes that the drug will take to final disposal.

While one patient may obtain the right to do all three of the regulated acts, individuals may also be able to lawfully grow or store the plant even without the right to consume it. The Canadian government took the most appropriate steps in creating rules that could be easily followed by authorized individuals pertaining to the use of medical marijuana. Now that the MMAR is in effect in Canada, other countries are looking into similar federal regulations to oversee the use of medical marijuana by their own citizens.

Beverly Hansen OMalley is a health promotion specialist and likes to write about health related topics that help people in their daily lives. She is the the owner of http://www.registered-nurse-canada.com where she explores the uniqueness of the nursing profession in Canada including comparison of the nursing entrance tests for the US and Canada, comparison of registered nurse salaries across the country and what it means to have a nursing license.

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