Posted by Chris on July 06, 1998 at 23:32:46:
In Reply to: Who stands to gain the most from legalizing cannabis? posted by Route66Kid on July 06, 1998 at 18:12:18:
: Decriminalizing the recreational use of marijuana is a whole separate issue from legalizing its use for accepted medical therapy.
Decriminalization for recreational use was my main point. Marijuana is nothing compared to tobacco and alcohol (see my post to rpcman, below).
But since you've focused on the medical use of marijuana, let's discuss that for a moment. There is one big point you have ignored: doctors with medical degrees should decide what drug is most appropriate for the patient, not politicians. If all doctors agree with your facts, then legalizing marijuana for medical use will result in zero prescriptions, right? So concern for the patient should not even be an issue in decriminalizing the drug, and your point is moot. The opinion of the American Medical Association happens to be, if I'm not mistaken, in favor of legalizing medical marijuana (to protect their freedom to practice medicine, if for no other reason).
: Everyone please understand that I operate on this issue from the foundation of the first rule of medicine which is to do no harm. I am steadfastly against any agenda which seeks to promote the inhaling of smoke of any kind as legitimate medical therapy. I have no problem with a legal adult choosing to smoke marijuana on a (preferably discreet) recreational basis but to attempt to fool the public that inhaling a substance which by its inherent nature increases blood levels of carbon monoxide in addition to delivering some twelve known carcinogens and scores of other known chemicals is just plain unethical, IMHO.
Are you a doctor? Then butt out of the practice of medicine, if you don't mind :) I'm sure the doctors are well aware of the risks and benefits of the drugs they prescribe.
And what are the twelve known carcinogens, BTW?