Marijuana has been proven to be beneficial in treating a myriad of physical and psychological conditions, such as glaucoma, anxiety, and the painful symptomology of chronic illnesses. Thus it is no surprise that research into the medicinal properties of marijuana has spurred its legalization for medicinal use in 25 states as of 2016. However federally, marijuana is still classified as a schedule 1 drug and thus not designated for use in any form in many states. As a result of this contentious debate, many disparities arise in its distribution, patient qualifications, and healthcare provider responsibilities. Ultimately the main point of contention is the definition of recreational versus medicinal use of marijuana and who is qualified to distinguish between the two.
There is a significant disparity between legalization and usage among the patient population. Nurses are foremost patient advocates and thus must maneuver around medical marijuana as a …show more content…
However, this impedance will not change with current policies surrounding this controversial topic. Many proponents of medical marijuana argue for its rescheduling, however a schedule II status only deems marijuana with “accepted medical use in treatment with severe restrictions” looping it with other class II drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone. A schedule II status will allow PCPs to prescribe marijuana without fear of prosecution. Medical research is still hindered since the DEA only allows NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) to source marijuana from the University of Mississippi creating a supply monopoly thus enforcing limitations and slowing the progress of marijuana research. Consequently, nurses and healthcare professionals should lend their expertise and voice for policy reform in order to allow for increasing advances in research for marijuana’s significance in medicine (Hudak,
There is a significant disparity between legalization and usage among the patient population. Nurses are foremost patient advocates and thus must maneuver around medical marijuana as a …show more content…
However, this impedance will not change with current policies surrounding this controversial topic. Many proponents of medical marijuana argue for its rescheduling, however a schedule II status only deems marijuana with “accepted medical use in treatment with severe restrictions” looping it with other class II drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone. A schedule II status will allow PCPs to prescribe marijuana without fear of prosecution. Medical research is still hindered since the DEA only allows NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse) to source marijuana from the University of Mississippi creating a supply monopoly thus enforcing limitations and slowing the progress of marijuana research. Consequently, nurses and healthcare professionals should lend their expertise and voice for policy reform in order to allow for increasing advances in research for marijuana’s significance in medicine (Hudak,