In our primary care clinic, I see many patients with chronic pain
disorders ("Internist Group Backs Use of Medical Marijuana,"
April 2008, p. 56).
These patients either have used marijuana or are currently using it
for its presumptive medicinal benefits (as an analgesic, for example).
As mentioned in the American College of Physicians' position paper,
"Supporting Research Into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana,"
there exists anecdotal evidence on the benefits of marijuana as a
medicinal agent. Only a few trials have been conducted because of
several geopolitical issues.
Research aimed at identifying the clinical conditions under which
marijuana use would improve patients' quality of life should
definitely be undertaken. Research to determine specific therapeutic
benefits, and to clarify many of the beliefs and disbeliefs associated
with marijuana as a medicinal agent, would be beneficial.
Such clinical trials would need rigorous monitoring and strict
standards of data analysis during extrapolation of results prior to any
approval of marijuana's medicinal use. By promoting such research,
the ACP's stance on the matter is appropriate.
Vishal B. Parekh, M.D.
Atlanta
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