MARIJUANA AND FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS 0

Is medical marijuana as effective treating

Jan

MARIJUANA AND FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS 1

Is medical marijuana as effective treating symptoms as FDA approved medications?

Abstract findings: While researching the benefits of medical marijuana there was a lot of
conflicting medical evidence. There are thousands of studies that show there are clear benefits of
medical marijuana and then there are only a few hundred that show marijuana has adverse
effects. The one thing that was very clear is that there have never been any deaths ruled that the
primary cause was from marijuana overdose. But thousands of death overdoses from FDA
approved drugs on the market. Every person can react differently to FDA approved drugs just as
they may have different reactions to different forms of marijuana available. It is powerful to see
the medical benefits thousands of people report after they chosen to try marijuana. They have
used all kinds of different FDA approved drugs and have reported severe to mild side effects and
have stated they do not have the same effect or relief marijuana has on them. This is a complex
subject because twenty-three states have approved the use of medical marijuana but the federal
government still says its illegal in all states.

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Is medical marijuana as effective treating symptoms as FDA approved medications?

In over 100,000 years there has never been a reported death from primary use of
marijuana. But, every year, nearly 15,000 people die from overdoses involving prescription pain
killersmore than those who die from heroin and cocaine combined.1 These medications are
FDA approved but yet more people die from those medications than using marijuana. Marijuana
has developed over years for its usage. It's a fact that anyone can die from ingesting too much
aspirin, or too much coffee, or too much wine. Marijuana use, medical or not, is non-lethal, but
likely beneficial according to studies. Some studies even show how it can be beneficial to ones
health. The three forms of cannabis are marijuana, hashish and hash oil.
Some of the common illnesses that medical marijuana is prescribed for use are treatment
for symptoms of AIDS, glaucoma, neuropathy, epilepsy, nausea and vomiting, pain, appetite
stimulant symptoms related to cancer, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, Tourettes
syndrome and migraines. All of these diseases and symptoms have FDA approved medications
for use as well. The benefits and results for the use of them vary from person.
Marijuanas plant was used for the making of of hemp, food, incense, cloth, rope, and more. The
first law regarding marijuana was not to make it illegal but to order all farmers to Indian
hempseed in Virginia in 1619. A person could actually be jailed for not abiding by the growing
1 http://www.cdc.gov/Features/VitalSigns/PainkillerOverdoses/

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requirements set forth. Taxes could even be paid with hemp. Approximately over 8,000 hemp
plantations were running during the 1850s.
During the Mexican revolution in the 1900s was when the first laws regarding making of
and using of Marijuana became illegal. Ironically it was California who passed this law first and
was also the first later to legalize marijuana use again before any other states.
The US Congress in 1970 added marijuana to its schedule I controlled substances. They
thought at the time and still today that it has no medically acceptable uses. Since 1996 twentythree states have legalized medical marijuana usage. But, some opponents against medical
marijuana usage believe that because it lacks FDA-approval that makes it dangerous. Truth is
more people die from complications, overdoses etc. from FDA-approved drugs than from
marijuana usage. According to Laura Borgelt, PharmD, of the University of Colorado ones
body already makes marijuana-like chemicals that affect pain, inflammation, and many other
processes. Marijuana can sometimes help those natural chemicals work better Why then should
a natural stimulant that one already has in their body not be allowed to assist in helping their
bodies feel better.
This could be compared to the way ones body already has melatonin but some take a
natural melatonin stimulant to help with regularity from melatonin deficiency. What about
vitamin deficiencies? There are plenty of natural medications available to one over the counter
to aid in these type of deficiencies.
Some believe that the fight is about money and the government will allow these
over the counter supplements because there is money to make. "There's no money to be made
off natural plants," said Dana Larsen, founding editor of Cannabis Culture magazine. "If you use
a natural medicine that you can grow in your own home that costs pennies to use, you're going to

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do that." Ignoring the fact that even though prescription drugs, are legal but still can be
experimental, dangerous and result in death.
Some of the cons that have been researched in the usage of medical marijuana differ from
who is conducting the testing. According to the American Cancer Society in one long term study
suggests that chronic marijuana affects intelligence. Researchers tested brain function in over
1,000 13 year-olds and then followed up on them with interviews for 25 years, retesting them
again at age 38. They found that those who used marijuana often had a decline in brain function,
even after they controlled for education levels. People who started using marijuana as teens had
the most notable effects, and those who used it chronically had greater declines in function.
Stopping marijuana use did not fully restore brain function.
One problem with smoking marijuana is that the dosing cannot be measured accurately.
Studies have shown that the same carcinogens are found in marijuana and tobacco smoke that
cause cancer. Also, just like with other medications one may also feel the same withdrawal
effects when using marijuana long term. Contamination of marijuana plants with the Aspergillus
fungus has caused serious lung infections in people with low immunity (such as those with
cancer, HIV, or organ transplants). This fungus can grow on marijuana plants and be invisible to
the naked eye. Different contaminations can also be present and cannot be seen.
Unfortunately since marijuana is currently a Schedule I controlled substance it limits the
amount of studies that can be performed and restrictions on findings. Federal law would need to
change regarding the classification of marijuana so more effective testing can be done. There are
no studies in people of the effects of marijuana oil or hemp oil. Although some argue that this is
a political decision, rather than a medical or scientific decision based on research, the FDA has

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approved two drugs, Marinol and Cesamet, for therapeutic reasons. These drugs contain
ingredients that are present in botanical marijuana but come in the form of a pill.
The medical decision of whether or not medical marijuana is as effective treating
symptoms as FDA approved medications should be evaluated between patient and doctor. Some
doctors are for or against the use of medical marijuana so this decision should include ones past
history of what has worked and what hasnt. This in regards to drugs used to treat symptoms.
The studies and evidence can be confusing as there are pros and cons on both sides. Just like
with any medical decision one should examine what they feel is in their best interest. Marijuana
has been around longer than most of the Schedule I controlled substances listed. One should
look at their own medical history and other medical conditions that may harm their own
wellbeing.
Local laws and requirements should be examined before one decides whether to use
medical marijuana. There are other factors because since state and federal laws differ on medical
marijuana legality ones job or drivers license may be effected. Currently an employer has to
abide by Federal Rules and if someone is high on the job this could mean immediate firing. One
can also not operate a vehicle under the influence. Again, this could also apply to certain FDA
approved drugs.

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FDA records provided regarding deaths from prescription drugs and marijuana
from 1997 to 2005.

IV. Summary of Deaths by Drug Classification

Primary
Suspect
of the
Death

Secondary
Suspect

279

279

Compazine
Reglan
Marinol
Zofran
Anzemet
Kytril
Tigan

196

429

625

C. ANTI-SPASMODICS
(used to treat muscle spasms)

Baclofen
Zanaflex

118

56

174

D. ANTI-PSYCHOTICS
(used to treat psychosis)

Haldol
Lithium
Neurontin

1,593

702

2,295

E. OTHER POPULAR DRUGS

(used to treat various conditions including ADD,
depression, narcolepsy, erectile dysfunction, and
pain)

Ritalin
Wellbutrin
Adderall
Viagra
Vioxx*

8,101

492

8,593

Number
of Drugs
in Total

Primary
Suspect
of the
Death

Secondary
Suspect

Total
Deaths
Reported

279

279

17

10,008

1,679

11,687

DRUG CLASSIFICATION

A. MARIJUANA
also known as: Cannabis sativa L

B. ANTI-EMETICS
(used to treat vomiting)

F. TOTALS of A-E

TOTAL DEATHS FROM MARIJUANA

TOTAL DEATHS FROM 17 FDAAPPROVED DRUGS

Specific
Drugs per
Category

(Contributing
to death)

Total
Deaths
Reported
1/1/97 6/30/05

Marijuana
Cannabis
Cannabinoids

(Contributing
to death)

1/1/97 6/30/05

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V. Chart of Deaths from Marijuana and 17 FDA-Approved Drugs

A. Marijuana
DRUG (Year Approved)

Primary Secondary Total

Suspect Suspect
Deaths
of the (Contributing Reported
to death)
Death
1/1/97 6/30/05

1 Marijuana (not approved)

. also known as: Cannabis sativa L

109

109

2 Cannabis (not approved)

. also known as: Cannabis sativa L

78

78

3 Cannabinoids
. (unclear if these mentions include non-plant cannabinoids)

92

92

279

279

Sub-Total - Anti-Emetics

FDA-Approved Drugs Prescribed in Place of Medical Marijuana

B. Anti-Emetics
DRUG (Year Approved)

Primary Secondary Total

Suspect Suspect
Deaths
of the (Contributing Reported
to death)
Death
1/1/97 6/30/05

1 Compazine (1980)
. also known as: Phenothiazine, prochlorperazine

15

30

45

2 Reglan (1980)
. also known as: Metaclopramide, Paspertin, Primperan

37

278

315

3 Marinol (1985)
. also known as: Dronabinol

4 Zofran (1991)

79

76

155

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.

also known as: Ondansetron hydrochloride

5 Anzemet (1997)
. also known as: Dolasetron mesylatee

22

27

6 Kytril (1999)
. also known as: Granisetron hydrochloride

36

24

60

7 Tigan (2001)
. also known as: Trimethobenzamide

15

18

196

429

625

Sub-Total - Anti-Emetics

C. Anti-Spasmodics
DRUG (Year Approved)

Primary
Suspect of
the Death

Secondary
Suspect

Total Deaths
Reported

(Contributing to 1/1/97 - 6/30/05

death)

1.

Baclofen (1967)
also known as: Lioresal, 4-amino-3-(4chlorophenyl)-butanoic acid

72

33

105

2.

Zanaflex (1996)
also known as: Tizanidine hydrochloride, Sirdalud,
Ternelin

46

23

69

118

56

174

Primary
Suspect of
the Death

Secondary
Suspect

Total Deaths
Reported

Sub-Total - Anti-Spasmodics

D. Anti-Psychotics
DRUG (Year Approved)

(Contributing to 1/1/97 - 6/30/05

death)

1.

Haldol (1967)
also known as: Haloperidol, Haldol Decanoate,
Serenace, Halomonth

450

267

717

2.

Lithium (1970)
also known as: Lithium Carbonate, Eskalith,
Lithobid, Lithonate, Teralithe, Lithane, Hypnorex,
Limas, Lithionit, Quilonum

175

133

308

3.

Neurontin (1994)
also known as: Gabapentin

968

302

1,270

1,593

702

2,295

Sub-Total - Anti-Psychotics

E. Other Well-Known and Randomly Selected FDA-Approved Drugs

DRUG (Year Approved)
1.

Ritalin (1955)
also known as: Methylphenidate, Concerta,
Medadate, Ritaline

Primary
Suspect of
the Death
121

Secondary
Suspect

Total Deaths
Reported

(Contributing to 1/1/97 - 6/30/05

death)

53

174

MARIJUANA AND FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS 9

(used to treat ADD and ADHD)
2.

Wellbutrin (1997)
also known as: Bupropion Hydrochloride, Zyban,
Zyntabac, Amfebutamone
(used to treat depression & anxiety)

1,132

220

1,352

3.

Adderall (1966)
also known as: Dextroamphetamine Saccharate,
Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine
Sulfate USP, Amphetamine Sulfate USP
(used to treat narcolepsy or to control hyperactivity
in children)

54

12

66

4.

Viagra (1998)
also known as: Sildenafil Citrate
(used to treat erectile dysfunction)

2,254

40

2,294

5.

Vioxx* (1999)
also known as: Rifecixub, Arofexx
(used to treat osteoarthritis and pain)

4,540

167

4,707

Sub-Total - Other Popular Drugs

8,101

492

8,593

F. TOTALS of A-E

Primary Secondary Total

Suspect Suspect
Deaths
(Contributing Reported
to death)

1/1/97 6/30/05

279

279

10,008

1,679

11,687

TOTAL DEATHS FROM MARIJUANA

TOTAL DEATHS FROM 17 FDA-APPROVED DRUGS

MARIJUANA AND FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS 10

DEFINITIONS

Marijuana-Other common name(s): pot, grass, cannabis, weed, hemp, hash, marihuana,
ganja, and dozens of others. Scientific/medical name(s): Cannabis sativa
Cannabis sativa- is an annual plant that grows wild in warm and tropical climates
throughout the world and is cultivated commercially. The leaves and buds of the plant have been
used in herbal remedies for centuries. Scientists have identified over 70 biologically active
components, called cannabinoids, in marijuana. The best known component is the chemical
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, although cannabidiol (CBD) and some other active
substances are now being studied.
Aspergillus fungus- an infection caused by Aspergillus, a common mold (a type of
fungus) that lives indoors and outdoors.
Withdrawl- the act or process of ceasing to use an addictive drug.
THC- Tetrahydrocannabinol; a compound that is obtained from cannabis or is made
synthetically; it is the primary intoxicant in marijuana and hashish.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)- a disorder that is characterized by
recurrent nausea, vomiting and colicky abdominal pain.
Hashish-consists of small blocks of dried cannabis resin. Blocks range in color from light
brown to nearly black. The concentration of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) in hashish is
higher than in marijuana.
Hash oil-is a thick, oily liquid extracted from hashish and ranges in color from goldenbrown to black. It is usually spread on the tip or paper of cigarettes and then smoked. Hash oil is
more powerful than the other forms of cannabis.
Mexican Revolution- Civil War was a major armed struggle that started in 1910.

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WORKS CITED

*http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
*http://www.cdc.gov/Features/VitalSigns/PainkillerOverdoses/http://www.drugwarrant.co
m/articles/why-is-marijuana-illegal/
*http://www.ibtimes.com/%E2%80%98medical%E2%80%99-marijuana-10-healthbenefits-legitimize-legalization-742456
*http://drug.addictionblog.org/top-10-medical-uses-for-marijuana/
*http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/features/medical-marijuana-uses
*http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000145
*http://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatmentsandsideeffects/complementaryandalternative
medicine/herbsvitaminsandminerals/marijuana