Pubdate: Thu, 03 Apr 2014
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2014 Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Jasmine Bailey

WEBMD SURVEY SAYS MOST DOCTORS BELIEVE MEDICINAL WEED WORKS

A small victory for those fighting to legalize marijuana - a new survey
suggests doctors are actually more supportive of the drug than the
average consumer.

According to the survey, 62 percent of doctors said medical marijuana
can be helpful in treating certain medical issues while only 52
percent of consumers said the same.

"It has a whole host of therapeutic indications. I mentioned cancer
patients, i mentioned AIDS patients. It's useful for glaucoma. It has
anti-inflammatory properties ... It's been used for hundreds of years
for a variety of aliments." (Via CBS) According to HealthDay News,
"Support for medical marijuana was highest among cancer specialists
and blood disorder specialists. For those two groups, 82 percent said
marijuana can provide real benefits to patients." Read more trending
stories The WebMD survey looked at answers from more than 1,500
doctors and almost 3,000 consumers. However, don't count on the
survey's findings having much bearing on whether states will actually
legalize pot. The site explains that's because, "Solid data on
marijuana's health benefits are lacking. Research has been limited
because the federal government has designated marijuana as a 'Schedule
I' substance, a designation used for the most dangerous drugs having
'no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.'"

But as states are starting to legalize it, more research is being done
and doctors are keeping an open mind.

Here's the breakdown of what doctors said in the survey: 69% said it
can help with certain treatments and conditions. 67% said it should be
a medical option for patients. 56% support making it legal nationwide.

50% of doctors in states where it is not legal said it should be legal
in their states.

52% of doctors in states considering new laws said it should be legal
in their states.

The survey gathered responses from doctors in late February and early
March.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D