Legalization of Medical Marijuana (Cannabis)

Abstract

The discussion regarding the legalization of marijuana, cannabis, for medical usage has again entered into a debate situation both in the public and health care arena. The debate on the legalization of marijuana has proponents emphasizing the benefits of the usage of medical marijuana for the treatment of several conditions in a safe manner, such as chronic pain control, nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, and seizure control, to mention a few. On the opposite side are the opponents, who are voicing concern for the addictive nature of marijuana, unknown pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, lack of data on correct dosage, and lack of safety and efficacy data with long-term usage. As in the past, there are public and medical community members on both sides of the debate, supporting and opposing the legalization of medical marijuana. The legalization of medical marijuana is again being considered on the health care policy agenda. The extent to which it will move from a broad agenda item to the point of being an actionable policy agenda item will be dependent on the political maneuvering of this issue among the various policy stakeholders and policymakers. This debate can end up in either the perfect storm of controversy or a rich evidence-based discussion with a resultant evidence-based decision. The legalization of marijuana is definitely a political and policy issue. The political and policy issue regarding medical marijuana usage represents an issue that has emotional, psychological, social, economic, and political issues surrounding this debate. Not to mention the science that will provide evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of marijuana usage. Regardless of your individual position regarding this political and policy issue, it is critical to ensure that we present, discuss, and consider all the scientific, emotional, psychological, social, economic, and political aspects of this debate. The alignment of the problem (legalization of medical marijuana), political aspects, and proposed policy can create the perfect “window of opportunity” for policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation regarding the medical legalization of marijuana. As health care providers with an emphasis on men’s health, it is our responsibility that we ensure as this “window of opportunity” for policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation occurs, we are active in this dialogue and debate to ensure that men’s emotional, psychological, social, economic, and political issues are presented. As health care providers, we are responsible to ensure that the dialogue and debate includes evidence of men’s utilization of marijuana that incorporates the emotional, psychological, social, economic, and political aspects that uniquely affect men. This will inform policy in relation to men’s health. 504104 JMHXXX10.1177/1557988313504104American Journal of Men’s HealthPorche research-article2013