Why should the state legislature reject legalizing marijuana for medical purposes?

Reason #2 - The medical community overwhelmingly opposes the legalization of smoking marijuana for medical purposes.

A few things to consider:

1. The lack of any medical benefit to smoking marijuana, and, in fact, the danger of smoking marijuana is the reason the American Medical Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Cancer Society have all rejected the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes.
   
   
2. The FDA has authorized the use of marijuana derivatives for medical purposes, but not for smoking.  Currently, the drug Marinol, which contains the active ingredient THC found in marijuana, is used to treat nausea, vomiting, and chronic pain.  Another derivative being reviewed for approval is Sativex, a spray medicine for neuropathy pain.
   
   
3. The FDA opposes the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes, because it’s not safe.  Marijuana contains over 400 chemicals.  According to National Institutes of Health, smoking five marijuana joints a week takes in as many cancer causing chemicals as smoking a pack a day, not to mention the mind- and memory- altering effects.  Smoking marijuana is also very addictive and is associated with elevated risks for depression, psychosis, and even schizophrenia.
   
   Let’s be sure we rely on science to ensure healthy and helpful medication, not the state legislature.  You wouldn’t rely on the legislature to say what is an approved medication for your children or grandchildren.  Neither should the legislature approve smoked marijuana for medical purposes for the entire state of Minnesota.

Reject SF 345/HF 655, legalizing the smoking of marijuana as medicine. Protect the health of all Minnesotans.

Sources:  National Institutes for Health.   Health Journal: “More people seek help for marijuana addiction,” Tuesday, May 02, 2006, Kevin Helliker, The Wall Street Journal; Eliot L. Gardner, Addictive potential of cannabinoids: the underlying neurobiology, CPL Chemistry and Physics of Lipids 121 (2002 267-297)   “Study suggests marijuana induces temporary schizophrenia-like effects,” Yale Medicine Fall/Winter 2004: http://www.yalemedicine.yale.edu/ym_fw04/rounds.html; “Marijuana policy just right,” USATODAY.com 05/17/2005; Northwest Center for Health & Safety, P.O. Box 5853, PORTLAND, OR 97228-5853 PH: 360-263-5905 FAX: 360-263-3964 Sandra S. Bennett, Director   "Non-medical Marijuana: Rite of Passage or Russian Roulette?" July 1999 obtained at website WWW.CASACOLU   MBIA.ORG/PUBLICATIONS; Brief of the Drug Free Schools Coalition, et al. in Gonzales v. Raich, 2004 WL 1843964 (U.S. Supreme Court 2004) ; Kaplan, H.B., Martin, S.S., Johnson, R.J., and Robbins, C.A., Escalation of marijuana use: Application of a general theory of deviant behavior. Journal of Health and Social Behavior. 1986:27:44-61; Clayton, R.R., and Leukefeld, C.G., The prevention of drug use among youth; implications of "legalization" Journal of Primary Prevention. 1992:12:289-302   Drug Free Schools Coalition. 203 Main St., P.M.B. 327, Flemington, NJ  08822