A MEDICAL CONTROVERSY

Marijuana treatment comes with pros, cons for patients

The Daily Record Editor's Note: This is the fourth in a weeklong series
examining the facets of medical marijuana.

In 2000, Colorado voters approved marijuana use for medical purposes
and provided protection for patients and caregivers who grow a limited
number of plants.

Amendment 20 protects those who use marijuana to treat "debilitating
diseases," which includes cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS; cachexia;
severe pain; severe nausea; seizures, including those that are
characteristic of epilepsy; or persistent muscle spasms, including
multiple sclerosis.

Not every physician in the state is willing to recommend marijuana for
treatment of any disease.

"Controversy with medical treatments is not uncommon," said Dr.
Victoria King, chief medical officer of St. Thomas More Hospital, in a
statement. "However, concerns about the use of marijuana as a
treatment include quality control, lack of standardized processing and
possible long-term health risks."

Marijuana contains several compounds that are reported to have medical
benefits. Cannabinoids -- as the beneficial compounds are called --
can stimulate appetites, treat nausea and vomiting, treat muscle
spasms and have the effects of a pain killer.

However, the WebMD website also lists negative effects of the active
ingredient, THC, which is quickly absorbed into the blood stream when
marijuana is smoked. These affects include rapid heart rate, increased
blood pressure, increased rate of breathing, red eyes, dry mouth,
increased appetite and slowed reaction time.

"From the legal perspective, although we recognize that some of our
patients may have been prescribed this treatment, the Colorado law
does not allow marijuana to be used outside the home," King said. "In
accordance with this state law, St. Thomas More Hospital policy
requires the patient to leave marijuana at home and not bring it to
the facility. Alternative medication will be provided when patients
are in the hospital as required by their condition."

Canon City chiropractor Dr. Joe Ashton said he has had several
patients approach him about a recommendation for marijuana, and he has
said no.

"I can't imagine it's good for you," Ashton said. "Chiropractic is
drug-free care."

Ashton said if there is a medical benefit in marijuana, we should just
take that out of the plant, put it in a pill and sell it in the pharmacy.

He said marijuana may provide pain relief, but chiropractic can
provide similar relief by repairing damage to the spine. If a patient
still needs helps, they should visit their doctor.

"Your body heals itself," Ashton said.