Marcie Seidel is executive director of Drug Free Action Alliance. Guest columnist Marcie Seidel is Executive Director of Drug Free Action Alliance, a statewide non-profit focused on the promotion of individual and community health through the prevention of substance abuse. She writes in opposition to use of medical marijuana.
Marijuana as medicine – it is a term that is now widely used and widely accepted. It is a concept that has some singing the praises of this plant, claiming near-miraculous results from the use. When we really look closer, however, marijuana is more like one of those infomercials late at night that make claims of miraculous weight loss, stick-free cooking and unbelievably better skin. Those lengthy commercials all have the stories from “satisfied customers,” who claim that the product not only delivers the specified results but makes other aspects of their own lives so much better. However, have you ever bought a product from an infomercial? They are not as easy to use as advertised, results are often frustrating, life really isn’t any easier or better and we are left with buyer’s remorse.
As one really takes a look beyond individual stories of “miracles,” a person can see that smoked marijuana in raw form really is not a medicine at all. To be clear, there are molecules within the marijuana plant that have promise for some types of ailments. However, just as there are molecules within snake venom that create medicines that treat heart attacks, high blood pressure and other blood disorders, snake venom in its raw form is not only dangerous but can be fatal. Medicines are developed relying on years of tests for safety and effectiveness of each dose taken, not using stories, but instead relying on scientifically-based evidence that proves that each medicine treats disease and even suggests possible negative side effects when taken.
And, what about all of those other states who have legalized marijuana to be used as a “medicine”? Surely, there have been great results in not only providing relief for those in dire medical situations, but also giving communities safer neighborhoods, another claim of pro-pot advocates. Again, the positive stories from the great “infomercial” of marijuana do not come close to the consequences that these states have had to face. Those who are using marijuana for so-called medicinal purposes are young people under 40 years of age who overwhelmingly use marijuana for “chronic pain,” which includes ailments such as high-heel syndrome and writer’s cramp.
Some of the costs to communities are even greater, with increased use by teens (National Council of State Legislatures) in states with medical marijuana programs, crime concerns surrounding grow houses and dispensaries and business concerns with employee impairment issues and a number of lawsuits against employers by marijuana users. More importantly, cities in California, Oregon and Colorado have banned the growing, production or selling of marijuana because of increased crime and other major community issues.
Is marijuana really a medicine or is it simply a slick infomercial that is being sold to us by a bunch of slippery salesman promising results that it simply can’t prove? The American Medical Association, National Glaucoma Foundation and the American Society of Addiction Medicine are just a few of the vast majority of reputable medical associations that have decried marijuana as a medicine.
Miraculous claims made by late-night infomercials rarely turn out to be reality, as you might already know, and marijuana comes from the same mold. Be careful before you buy into the infomercial that is “medicinal marijuana” as experiences in other states are already giving us the knowledge that we will only be left with a big case of buyer’s remorse.
Medical marijuana far from miracle cure: Marcie Seidel, Drug Free Action Alliance
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