Pubdate: Mon, 27 Jul 2009
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2009 The Des Moines Register.
Contact: http://DesMoinesRegister.com/help/letter.html
Website: http://desmoinesregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Cited: Iowa Board of Pharmacy http://www.iowa.gov/ibpe/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Iowa+Board+of+Pharmacy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/George+McMahon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

TIME FOR CONVERSATION ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Iowa is about to explore whether sick residents should be allowed to 
use marijuana to treat health problems, including pain and nausea. 
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy, which regulates pharmacy practices and 
the distribution of prescription drugs, has voted unanimously to hold 
public hearings around the state.

Though the Iowa Legislature would have to approve any changes to the 
law regarding the medical use of marijuana, the pharmacy board 
deserves credit for initiating a statewide conversation.

Iowans should pay attention and get involved. The meetings are this 
state's opportunity to examine the scientific research and opinions. 
This matters because at the end of the day, the use of marijuana for 
medical purposes isn't about being "soft on drugs" or catering to 
those who think it's their "right" to smoke marijuana.

It's a medical issue.

The federal government treated marijuana use as a medical issue in 
1978 when it established a program to allow people with certain 
medical conditions to use it. In 1992 it closed the program to new 
applicants, but Iowan George McMahon is one of the few remaining 
Americans still participating.

McMahon is afflicted with Nail Patella Syndrome, a rare genetic 
disorder that causes abnormalities of joints, kidneys and bones. For 
nearly 20 years, McMahon has been using marijuana daily to control 
pain, spasms and nausea. He told the Register no prescription drug 
worked as well as marijuana.

Iowans should hear from him and others who use the drug as treatment.

The pharmacy board should also invite people from outside the state 
to add to the conversation. Iowa doesn't have to reinvent the wheel 
on this issue when 13 other states have legalized marijuana for 
medical use. This state should find out more about their experiences, 
including what medical conditions the drug is used for and whether 
decriminalization increased illegal use.

People with objections should also come forward. Opponents to the 
legalization of marijuana say it could open the door for more 
recreational use of the drug.

And the board should examine the plethora of studies - including 
information from the Institute of Medicine and the World Health 
Organization - on medical use of the drug.

Lawmakers should attend. Responsible for any changes in the law 
regarding the drug, they should become educated, and listen to their 
constituents. In the end, though, the decision can't be a popularity 
contest. It should be based on whether the medical benefit outweighs 
the potential problems with making marijuana available as a prescription drug.

Last legislative session, state Sen. Joe Bolkcom (D-Iowa City) heard 
from Iowans when he proposed legislation calling for the creation of 
"compassion centers." The nonprofit organizations would cultivate and 
distribute the drug to approved patients. The bill died due to lack 
of support, but several Iowans shared their stories in a subcommittee 
hearing. Bolkcom said some wanted to try the drug for pain relief, 
but were afraid of getting in trouble. Others expressed concerns 
about where legalization could lead.

Now a broader conversation can ensue in communities around the state. 
Not mired down in the politics of the Statehouse. Not dominated by a 
narrow constituency. A conversation focused on medical treatment and 
science and the societal impact of legalizing a drug that may 
alleviate pain and discomfort for sick Iowans.

That's a conversation worth having. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake