IF LEGALIZED, MARIJUANA MAY HAVE SOME VALUE

A legislative committee has voted in favor of permitting the use of
marijuana for medical purposes, bringing the bill one step closer to
becoming law.

I'm open-minded yet skeptical. If it's strictly monitored - keeping
abuse to a minimum - and results in better pain management for those
suffering, it might warrant being lawful.

Although the measure would allow for the dispensing of only small
amounts of medicinal marijuana, marijuana itself is readily available
on the streets if the prescribed dosage isn't effective. Doctors would
carry a heavy burden, needing to maintain vigilance and be watchful
for abuse.

I guess they also would need to see patients frequently, ensuring use
is directed and is helping patients as intended.

I hope the legalization of medicinal marijuana will prove to be the
result of careful studies and its benefits for sufferers of pain to
justify the legalization of such a potentially addictive substance.

No matter how many safeguards are in place for dispensing it, this
drug - as with any other prescription drugs - will be abused by some.
But now it's moved beyond the study phase and being considered for
distribution to the population at large under an "honor system," that
trusts people will not abuse it, as with any prescription.

Is it a gateway?

With the history of marijuana suggesting it may lead to the use of
harder drugs such as meth and Oxycontin, let's hope that the homework
done was thorough and that it will be released showing tremendous
benefits. If that is the case, then legalizing marijuana may be warranted.

But it also begs the question: Are we, as a society, heading down a
dangerous path by introducing it to people who would never have sought
it for recreational use?

Unfortunately, we live in a society of instant gratification, which
may lead to abuse. If this law is passed, let's hope abuse is minimal.

Those benefiting from it also have an obligation to others. Imagine
living in a rooming house with someone entitled to medicinal
marijuana. Legally, he or she can't be evicted, and yet the smell of
marijuana may be offensive to others who must live with it or move.
Using it in public also raises some concerns.

But overall, if it's certain that there is no other pain-based drug
available, medicinal marijuana does seem to offer potential to help
sufferers of chronic pain. As such, legalization with strict
monitoring may be a controversial step worth taking.