Marijuana, the Lesser of Two Evils?

As of the writing of this week’s column, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy was granted an extension to negotiate with lawmakers on two bills to legalize and decriminalize marijuana in New Jersey. This is after the measures passed both houses of Legislature on 12/17/2020. 

“Voters overwhelmingly support the legalization of cannabis and we are taking every step necessary to assure legalization and decriminalization become law,” said Assembly Speaker, Craig Coughlin!

Looking at this issue financially, it’s a no-brainer. In 16 states, marijuana is fully legalized for both recreational and medicinal purposes. 13 other states (including New York) have decriminalized and legalized medical marijuana use. There are now only 6 states where marijuana is fully illegal. Legalizing the drug would be a tax revenue boon for a broke New York State, which Governor Andrew Cuomo has already admitted. 

I have concerns with this as there will be ripple effects far and wide from legalizing recreational pot in New York State. Medicinal marijuana has been legal in New York State since 2014. My first concern is underage children and this easy access to pot potentially getting kids hooked on the drug. Other issues are regulation, law enforcement and DUI (driving under the influence) of drugs. People are preoccupied enough on the roads with Covid-19. It stands to reason if pot is fully legalized then New York State would consider releasing prisoners with non-violent, marijuana possession only records. New York State spends over $70,000 per year per inmate, the most in the country.

Conditions we know medicinal marijuana can help:

1. Chronic Pain:  According to the CDC, (Center for Disease Control) 20.4% of Americans are suffering chronic pain issues. A developing field in medicine is the application of MM (medical marijuana) to alleviate chronic pain as al alternative to opiates. This field has gained popularity due to the lack of addictive qualities of MM compared to opiates.
2. Lack of Appetite: Conditions like cancer can sap a person appetite which is dangerous as the body needs the proper food and nutrients daily.
3. IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome): Medicinal Marijuana eases nausea and pain which makes it a viable option to treat IBS.
4. Lou Gehrig’s Disease AKA ALS: ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that progresses in patients over time. It affects neuron cells in the brain and spinal cord slowly reducing neuro and motor functions over time. MM has been proven to slow down the degeneration. 
5. PTSD AKA (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome):  PTSD is running rampant in America, especially over the last year during Covid. Medicinal Marijuana (CBD AKA Cannabidiol) seems to breakdown a chemical in the brain that affects pain, mood, and anxiety.

There are a variety of conditions or diseases one can be suffering from to obtain a Medicinal Marijuana ID Card which can differ slightly by state. In general, see symptoms and the process below:

1. Conditions Most States Include Chronic pain, cancer, HIV/Aids, PTSD, IBS, neuropathy, epilepsy, ALS, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s, and Hepatitis C to name a few.
2. Doctor Sign Off Form:  One needs to find a doctor to sign off on the medical marijuana form. This can be difficult as some doctors are hesitant to prescribe it! Some reasons are moral, and others are a lack of belief insufficient scientific evidence proving its effectiveness.
3. Proof of Residence: After proving one is suffering from a condition on their state’s acceptable list by getting a physician sign off, one shows proof of residence like a driver’s license or passport.
4. Interview with Physician: In areas where MM is legal, patients are approved through a MM recommendation and evaluation conducted by a physician with a medical cannabis license. Once approved, a patient can legally purchase, possess, and in certain states cultivate their own plants. For more information look up the website MarijuanaDoctors

Be Positive, Test Negative and Keep the Faith!!