Legalization Of Medical Marijuana Research Articles

Sociodemographic profile and clinical presentation of young children unintentionally exposed to marijuana: A single site retrospective cohort.

Legalization of medical marijuana has increased unintentional exposure to marijuana in young children. We aim to explore the sociodemographic disadvantage profile, prevalence, and clinical presentation of children diagnosed with unintentional exposure to marijuana. We conducted a retrospective chart abstraction of 121 children (aged 0-6) seen at the Emergency Department (ED) at a single tertiary hospital center in Dayton, Ohio between January 01, 2010 and January 09, 2022. Majority were female (62.8%), white (50.4%), and with Medicaid as their primary insurance (84.3%). The median age at exposure was 1.8 years. There was a 14-fold increase in unintentional marijuana cases pre-2017 (7 cases) versus post-2017 (114 cases), the year of legalization of medical marijuana in the state of Ohio. Majority of the patients were using public assistance (66.4%). 26.7% of the cases had a prior social work consultation and 38.1% had a prior children services consultation. 51.3% of the children had a social disadvantage index score of 3 or greater (range 0-5) with higher scores indicating greater disadvantage. The number of patients presenting to the ED at the hospital has increased 14-fold since the legalization of medical marijuana in Ohio. Half of the children displayed a higher sociodemographic disadvantage index score. Our study is the first study investigating the sociodemographic profile of children exposed to marijuana. The findings of this study may be utilized to inform policy for safely dispensing recreational and medicinal marijuana products and focus the efforts on families with sociodemographic disadvantage.

Penggunaan Ganja Medis dalam Pengobatan dan Pengaturannya di Indonesia

Medical marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has been used since ancient times. Its use is written in medical books from China, India and even the Mesopotamian era. In these records, the use of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is not only as a medicine, but also as a food ingredient and a ritual tool. A popular issue in Indonesia today is about legalization of medical marijuana. Marijuana is a class I narcotic which is written in the law. Cannabis has a very high potential to cause addiction and not be used for therapy. However, several institutions have discussed that marijuana can be legalized in Indonesia. Cannabis can provide health benefits and has economic potential. Marijuana contains cannabinoids that are considered to have medical benefits. Several countries have developed marijuana into legal medicinal preparations. Economically, medical marijuana has great potential as an export commodity. The approach in this study uses a qualitative method by using data from books, regulations, expert opinions, as well as examining various scientific journals using Garuda, PubMed, Sciencedirect, and Wiley. The result of data analysis is in the form of systematic information. This article can be a reference for development and legalization of medical marijuana in Indonesia.

International Effect: The Ongoing Tension with Medical Marijuana Legalization

Purpose: In the landscape of the United States, an escalating number of states are ushering in a new era by enacting legislation that affords individuals the right to employ cannabis for medical purposes. However, this commendable stride toward medical autonomy is accompanied by an escalating tension, a discordant symphony of conflict between state and federal jurisdictions. This study embarks on a journey through the labyrinth of legislative intricacies, seeking to unravel the roots of this tension and proffering insights into potential resolutions. At the heart of the matter lies the dichotomy between state and federal legislation. While states pave the way for medical cannabis use, the federal stance casts a looming shadow of ambiguity and discord. The conflict, multifaceted and dynamic, beckons for a nuanced exploration.
 Methodology: The study adopted desktop literature research design.
 Findings: By delving into the intricacies of the legislative measures themselves, this research identifies mitigating factors that can potentially alleviate the tension between conflicting jurisdictions. Mitigation, however, requires more than a superficial understanding of legislative nuances. It demands a comprehensive acknowledgment of the extensive legal and medical data interwoven with the fabric of cannabis use for medical purposes.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study advocates for a holistic approach, urging policymakers to draw upon a repository of knowledge that transcends mere legal frameworks. In doing so, it seeks to bridge the gap between state and federal perspectives, fostering a more informed and cooperative discourse. Navigating the path toward resolution involves a delicate balance. The sculpting of legislative measures should be informed by a deep appreciation of the medical intricacies associated with cannabis use. The study underscores the significance of considering medical data as an essential compass in the journey toward harmonizing state and federal regulations. By acknowledging the complex interplay between legality and medical efficacy, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis legislation. In conclusion, this study illuminates the intricate dance between state and federal jurisdictions in the realm of medical cannabis use. Through a meticulous examination of legislative intricacies and a robust consideration of legal and medical data, it endeavors to pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence between state and federal perspectives.

Legal regulation of the use of cannabis sativa in rational medicine in Indonesia

Medical marijuana (Cannabis sativa) has been used since ancient time. Its use is written in medical books from china, India and even the Mesopotamian era. In these records, the use of marijuana (Cannabis sativa) is not only as a medicine, but also as a food ingredient and a ritual tool. A popular issue in Indonesia today is about legalization of medical marijuana. Marijuana is a class I narcotic which is written in the law. Cannabis has a very high potential to cause addicted and not used for therapy. However, several institutions have discussed that marijuana can be legalized in Indonesia. Cannabis can provide health benefits and has economic potential. Marijuana countains cannabinoids that are considered to have medical benefits. Several countries have developed marijuana into legal medicinal preparations. Economically, medical marijuana has great potential as an export commodity. The approach in this study uses a qualitative method by using data from books, regulations, expert opinions, as well as examining various scientific journal using Garuda, PubMed, Science direct, and Wiley. The result of data analysis is in the form of systematic information. This article can be a reference for development and legalization of medical marijuana in Indonesia.

Legalization of Medical Marijuana in Indonesia from the Human Rights Perspectives: Lessons Learned from Three ASEAN Countries

Marijuana (cannabis) as a therapeutic medication has been used and recognized as part of the health system in several countries. In contrast, marijuana in Indonesia is classified as a class I narcotic under Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics, which is prohibited and cannot be used as medication. However, a detailed examination of the Narcotics Act reveals some loopholes and ambiguities that could be exploited to legalize marijuana as a medication to cure certain illnesses. The present study employs normative legal research, specifically a statutory approach, to justify using marijuana for medical purposes. In addition, a legal comparative method is also used in this study to analyze the use of medical marijuana in three ASEAN countries: Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Despite having a reputation for having highly stringent regulations on narcotics, Indonesia can benefit from the experiences of other ASEAN nations, such as Singapore and Malaysia, who have legalized medical marijuana. This consideration is prompted by the fact that certain individuals have shared positive outcomes from using ‘illegal’ medical marijuana as a form of health treatment. However, it is disheartening to note that these individuals have also had to witness the unfortunate loss of their loved ones and, in some cases, face legal consequences such as imprisonment. Conducting comprehensive research on the use of medicinal marijuana in Indonesia is crucial to upholding the citizens' right to health, as the right to health is a significant component of human rights.

Urgensi Legalisasi Penggunaan Ganja Medis Dilihat dari Perspektif Hukum Hak Asasi Manusia

Planning to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes in Indonesia has been discussed in the discussion of a draft law on changes to narcotics laws by Indonesian legislators. Testing of this narcotics law is one way that has been attempted in legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Viewed from a human rights perspective, every individual has the right to life and the right to health. This understanding certainly develops in the logic of society regarding the prohibition of the use of marijuana for medical purposes which is considered the same as prohibiting sick people from staying alive. This means that the state has failed to guarantee the lives of its citizens. However, on the other hand, some countries have legalized medical marijuana, such as Thailand, the United States, the Netherlands, Lebanon, Australia, and also Lebanon. While in Indonesia itself still prohibits the use of marijuana for medical purposes. With this research, it will be studied to find legal reasons from the government in the case of medical marijuana in Indonesia. These problems will then be analyzed using analytical descriptive methods to find new concepts related to the legalization of medical marijuana in Indonesia. The study suggests that medical marijuana will likely have legal potential in the future. This urgency is also demonstrated by the political will of the Indonesian Ulema Council and the Ministry of Health. From this research, it is hoped that it will provide recommendations related to proper educational insights about medical marijuana and the potential for legalization in the future.

The relationship between medical marijuana use and prescription pain reliever use among U.S. adults: A retrospective analysis utilizing the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH)

BackgroundDespite a number of states in the U.S. enacting medical marijuana policies, there is currently a lack of research outlining the role that individual-level factors play in predicting medical marijuana use, especially regarding use and misuse of prescription pain relievers. The overall aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of medical marijuana use in the U.S. and to identify clinical, social, and demographic predictors. MethodsA retrospective secondary database analysis was conducted utilizing five years of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSUDH). A multivariable logistic regression model assessed the association between prescription pain reliever use and medical marijuana in the adult U.S. population while adjusting for substance use factors, psychiatric factors, and demographic characteristics. ResultsWithin the U.S. adult population from 2015 to 2019, medical marijuana use increased from 1.6% to 2.4%, while appropriate prescription pain reliever use decreased from 33.4% to 27.5%, and prescription pain reliever misuse decreased from 4.7% to 3.7%. Of all marijuana users, 15.1% resided within non-medical marijuana states. Medical marijuana users are more likely to have a serious mental illness (14.0% vs. 4.4%) and a non-marijuana related substance dependence (5.3% vs. 1.2%). Past-year medical marijuana use was significantly more likely to be reported among appropriate users of prescription pain relievers (OR = 1.99, p < .001) and misusers (OR = 1.94, p < .001) (relative to nonusers). ConclusionsPrescription pain reliever appropriate use and misuse were associated with higher odds of medical marijuana use. This study identified a potential treatment gap among individuals residing in states with no medical marijuana availability. These study findings highlight the potential benefits of medical marijuana legalization that future research can build on to guide policy making decisions.

Legalization of marijuana or not? Opinions from over 38,000 residents in Taiwan

BackgroundMarijuana is legal in many Western countries and Thailand. In Taiwan, Marijuana remains a category-2 narcotic; however, some legislative candidates recently advocated legalization of medical marijuana. This study surveyed a large sample of Taiwanese to gain a better understanding of the public’s knowledge and attitudes towards legalizing marijuana.MethodsThis cross-sectional mixed-methods study included demographic data and responses to a survey questionnaire, “Knowledge and Attitudes of Legalizing Marijuana” (KALM). The survey included 15 statements about four categories: public health, social impact, medical applications of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), and legal and tax consequences; and two yes/no questions about medical use and legalization of marijuana. Knowledge was scored as disagree = 0, no knowledge = 2, or agree = 4; attitude was scored from 0 = very unimportant to 4 = very important. Responses to an open-ended question asking for additional comments/concerns were analysed with content analysis. The survey was conducted from February 15 to March 1, 2023.ResultsData were analysed from 38,502 respondents, aged 15 to > 56 years. Most were female (67.1%) and parents (76.4%). Scores were higher for respondents who were parents, religious, ≥ 36 years of age, had a high-income status, no history of substance abuse, knowledge of medical marijuana, and did not support legalization of marijuana. Medical personnel had greater knowledge of marijuana, but their attitude indicated they viewed legalization as less important. In the open-ended question, many respondents requested more information about marijuana be provided to the public before considering legalization.ConclusionsTaiwanese respondents considered legalization of marijuana a significant concern, especially as it relates to impacts on public health.

A-328 Urine Toxicology Screening: Tetrahydrocannabinol Positivity Patterns at an U.S. Urban Tertiary Care Children's Hospital

Abstract Background Given the recent legalization of recreational and medical marijuana in different states, there is an increasing exposure of children and teenagers to marijuana products which has led to an increase in health care visits and hospitalizations. Our drug testing algorithm uses an immunoassay test for initial urinary drug screening (UDS) followed by an automatic confirmatory test only when a positive UDS result is obtained. The immunoassay test is performed in-house and detects the major metabolites of delta9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive component of marijuana. In contrast, the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmatory test is more specific towards THC and is carried out in an external lab. In light of the ongoing trend of marijuana exposure cases and the fact that immunoassay cross-reactivity with non-cannabinoid compounds is uncommon, we aim to assess the necessity of automatic confirmatory tests in our patient population and evaluate its impact on patient management. Methods We conducted a retrospective study to assess the trends in cannabinoid hospital-related encounters by age, gender, and incidence with other drugs, in our population among the main campus and satellites (November 2021–October 2022). The UDS tests that were positive for cannabinoids were further evaluated to assess their agreement with the confirmatory testing. Results Cannabinoid positive tests account for 62.0% (504/813) of all positive UDS tests in all our locations and 84% (425/504) of the cases did not test positive for other drug classes. Among this population, 92.7% (467/504) are in the adolescent age (≥13 years), whereas 7.3% (37/504) were children (&amp;lt;13 years). Female population comprises 56.0% (217/504) of the cases whereas male, 43% (271/504) of the cases. The true positive rate for the immunoassay test was 99.6% (465/467) and 94.6% (35/37) for adolescents and children, respectively. Clinical decisions were made after a positive immunoassay result and before the confirmatory test as this is a send out test and takes a few days to receive the result. Conclusion Our evidence-based approach demonstrates unnecessary confirmatory testing for the adolescent group in our population due to a high positivity rate (99.6%). Discontinuing automatic confirmatory testing for this group will eliminate workload and reduce healthcare costs. On the other hand, automatic confirmatory testing in children will continue as these exposures are mainly considered unintentional and require more investigation.

Examining the Association between Medical Marijuana Legalization and Criminal Behaviors: Evidence from a U.S. Representative Sample

Background: Medical marijuana legalization (MML) has been widely implemented in the past decade. However, the debates regarding the consequences of MML persist, especially criminal behaviors. Objectives: We examined the association between MML and criminal behaviors among adults in the United States. The criminal behaviors measured three past-year offenses: whether the adult (1) have sold illegal drugs, (2) have stolen anything worth > $50 USD, or (3) have attacked someone. Methods: Using the 2015–2020 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, we included 214,505 adults in our primary analysis for 2015–2019 and 27,170 adults in 2020 for supplemental analysis (age > = 18). Weighted multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the association between MML and three criminal behaviors. Results: In our primary analysis, we observed no statistically significant association between MML and the three outcomes of criminal behavior. Nevertheless, our supplemental analysis of the 2020 data showed MML was associated with increasing odds of the three criminal behaviors (have sold illegal drugs: AOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 1.7; have stolen anything worth > $50 USD: AOR = 1.9; have attacked someone: AOR = 1.8; all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Surveys from 2015 to 2019 did not suggest MML as a risk factor for higher incidence of criminal behaviors. However, 2020 data showed statistically significant association between MML and selected criminal behaviors. Issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the U.S. economic downturn, could potentially explain this discrepancy. Further research efforts may be warranted.

Electoral Proximity and Issue-Specific Responsiveness

Abstract Do elections increase responsiveness of legislators to their constituents? Previous studies that examine the effect of electoral proximity have been unable to hold the roll-call agenda constant and control for differences in unobserved covariates between legislators. This paper utilizes a natural experiment in four state legislatures—Arkansas, Illinois, Florida, and Texas—where term length was randomly assigned. This design compares the responsiveness to constituency opinion of those randomly assigned to a two-year term to those assigned a four-year term on different issue areas, like the economy, environment, and crime. I find no evidence for an electoral proximity effect on responsiveness. In addition, in the Illinois State Senate, the causal effect of electoral proximity on responsiveness is measured on several individual roll-call votes, including the legalization of medical marijuana and gay marriage.

Legal aspects of the use of medical cannabis in Poland compared to other countries: Comparative legal analysis

The importance of this issue is that there is an increasing demand for the use of medical marijuana in treatment where methods based on traditional medicine have failed. The aim of the article is the analysis and evaluation of the legal regulation of treatment with preparations containing medical marijuana in Poland against the background of trends in other countries. The study employs a dogmatic and black-letter methods of analyzing the provisions of the law in force in Poland and also a comparative method. Studies have shown that the systems of countries in Europe and the world vary in this regard. When it comes to the medical use of marijuana, three solutions are possible: a liberal model, where the patient can grow the plant himself, a moderate model, which relies on the possibility of obtaining a drug based on medical marijuana with a prescription. The third model is based on the impossibility of medical use of marijuana. The Polish legal model is moderate and consists of the possibility of obtaining a medical marijuana-based drug by prescription. Independent cultivation under this model is not possible. A business entity that intends to cultivate cannabis for medical purposes must have the appropriate permit from the competent state authority. This solution (present in many other countries) is characterized by a balance between legalization of medical marijuana and drug prevention. Under the Polish legal model, cannabis cultivation remains under state supervision. Medical marijuana is available to the patient, but access to it is strictly regulated. This is not a liberal legalization model, as availability depends largely on the doctor. Practical results show a progression in the availability of medical marijuana medicines compared to previous years. The legislature is open to change, but out of caution against the proliferation of drug offenses, it has not decided on greater liberalization

Association Between Marijuana Laws and Suicide Among 12- to 25-Year-Olds in the United States From 2000 to 2019

Cannabis use is associated with suicide-related outcomes in both adolescents and adults, and may be increasing amid shifting cannabis policies. However, little is known about the impact of medical marijuana legalization (MML) and recreational marijuana legalization (RML) policies on youth suicide. Using 20 years of national data, we examined associations between MML, RML, and suicide-related mortality among US individuals aged 12 to 25 years, and assessed whether they varied based on age and sex. Suicide deaths (N= 113,512) from the 2000-2019 National Vital Statistics System Multiple Cause of Death files for age groups 12 to 13, 14 to 16, 17 to 19, 20 to 22, and 23 to 25 years were examined in relation to time-varying cannabis law status using a staggered adoption difference-in-difference (DiD) approach with a negative binomial regression to determine associations between MML, RML, and suicide rates, controlling for individual- and state-level covariates and accounting for the varying effective dates of MML and RML by state. The overall unadjusted annual suicide rate was 10.93/100,000, varying from 9.76 (states without marijuana laws (ML)) to 12.78 (MML states) to 16.68 (RML states). In multivariable analysis, both MML (incidence rate ratio [IRR]= 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05-1.15) and RML (IRR= 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.27) were associated with higher suicide rates among female youth compared to those in states without ML. Youth aged 14 to 16 years had higher rates of suicide in states with RML compared to states with MML (IRR= 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00-1.30) and states without ML (IRR= 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00-1.20). Findings were consistent across sensitivity analyses. MML and RML were associated with increased suicide-related mortality in female youth and 14- to- 16-year-old individuals of both sexes. Mechanisms through which cannabis policies are related to increased youth suicide warrant further study and should inform legislative reform.

“High” innovators? Marijuana legalization and regional innovation

The past three decades have witnessed a tremendous shift in public health policies toward marijuana legalization in the United States. Adopting the process‐based view of innovation, we hypothesize that marijuana's increased use and related consequences after its legalization affect innovators’ behavior and social environment during the innovation process, which in turn impacts regional innovation. Utilizing the staggered adoption of medical marijuana laws (MMLs) by 20 states between 1996 and 2013 as a quasi‐experimental setting, we find that legalizing medical marijuana reduces the overall output of regional innovation as proxied by patents’ total forward‐citation count aggregated by innovator location. Further analyses decomposing the overall output into patent quantity and quality reveal that the quantity of certain patents rises after states’ medical marijuana legalization. More importantly, these analyses show that the quality of all patents, especially that of “hit” patents, deteriorates, leading to a net negative effect on the overall output. These tests further suggest that different findings concerning patent quantity and quality are related to marijuana legalization's diverse influence on innovators’ individual and collaborative effectiveness during the innovation process. The decline in innovation output and quality after the adoption of MMLs is robust to the use of additional identification strategies. The evidence suggests that legalizing medical marijuana has an adverse effect on regional innovation activity.

Medical Marijuana Legalization in Oklahoma: Effects on Neonatal Exposure to Opiates.

The U.S. opioid epidemic has been characterized by increases in opioid misuse, overdose deaths, and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Research suggests that marijuana legalization has contributed to decreased use of opiates, although many studies had methodological weaknesses and failed to address the pregnant population. Implementation of medical cannabis laws has the potential to reduce maternal opioid use and, therefore, neonatal exposure to the drugs. This study aimed to examine the association between Oklahoma's implementation of state medical marijuana laws and the neonatal exposure to opioids. Electronic medical records at two sites (Oklahoma City and Lawton) were searched for results of cord, urine, and meconium screens to detect amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, ethanol, opiates, phencyclidine, and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Two study periods were compared: 19 months before Oklahoma's medical marijuana law took effect and 19 months after legalization began. A total of 16,804 babies were born alive at the two sites during the study period. The rate of positive THC tests per 1,000 liveborn infants significantly increased from 16.2 per 1,000 during the prelaw period to 22.2 per 1,000 during the postlaw period (p = 0.004). Neonatal opioid exposure incidence showed a nonsignificant decrease from 7.6 positive tests per 1,000 liveborn infants to 6.8 per 1,000 from prelaw to postlaw period (p = 0.542). The number of positive tests for THC and concomitant use of opioids doubled from the prelaw period (n = 4) to postlaw (n = 9), but there were too few cases for statistical significance. Infants at the more rural site had significantly higher rates for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and THC, with a trend toward higher rates for opiates. Marijuana legalization was related to significant increases in positive test rates for THC, but no significant change/association was noted for neonatal exposure to opioids. · Prior studies have not examined neonatal exposure to opioids following marijuana legalization.. · Oklahoma's new law led to higher neonatal marijuana exposure.. · Legalization of medical marijuana did not change Oklahoma's neonatal opioid positivity rate..

Marijuana legalization and opioid deaths

Many states have legalized marijuana over the last two decades, initially for medical purposes and more recently for recreational consumption. Despite prior research, it remains unclear how these policies are related to rates of opioid-involved overdose deaths, which have trended rapidly upwards over time. We examine this question in two ways. First, we replicate and extend previous investigations to show that the prior empirical results are frequently fragile to the choice of specifications and time periods, and probably provide an overly optimistic assessment of the effects of marijuana legalization on opioid deaths. Second, we present new estimates suggesting that legal medical marijuana, particularly when available through retail dispensaries, is associated with higher opioid mortality. The results for recreational marijuana, while less reliable, also indicate that retail sales may be correlated with greater death rates relative to the counterfactual of no legal cannabis. A likely mechanism for these effects is the emergence of illicit fentanyl, which has increased the riskiness of even small positive effects of cannabis legalization on the consumption of opioids.

Cannabis Content in Athletic Training and Physical Therapy Curriculums in the United States

Background: Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the U.S. and its use is becoming more popular with the legalization of medical marijuana. Currently, 36/50 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. These changes have allowed for more cannabis-related research to be conducted. It is unknown how health professional education programs such as physical therapy and athletic training have integrated cannabis-related curriculum into their students’ training. This study aimed to identify how physical therapy and athletic training education programs are approaching teaching students about cannabis-related topics. Methods: There were 111 individuals from 40 states who responded to the survey (Males=53; Female=58), including 88 athletic training and 23 physical therapy faculty. Methods: An email was sent to all program directors of athletic training and physical therapy programs in the US with a Qualtrics survey link for faculty to complete. The 23-item questionnaire included closed-ended questions on demographics, where they sought cannabis-related information, and whether program curriculum includes cannabis-related topics. Frequencies were computed for sources of cannabis-related information and whether program curriculum includes cannabis-related topics. Results: Sixty (53.5%) participants stated they have not received information or completed any training related to cannabis. Of those receiving information or completing training (n=51), the most common sources of information were live lectures (n=23), peer-reviewed manuscripts (n=24), and social media/news (n=21). Also, 43 (38%) participants noted teaching cannabis-related topics in their curriculum. However, 33 participants reported either not completing training related to cannabis or being self-educated through the current literature. Conclusions: These results suggest program faculty may benefit from formal cannabis education in an effort to adequately integrate the content into curriculums.

The Legalization of Medical Marijuana: A Human Rights Law Perspective

The discourse on legalizing marijuana for medical purposes in Indonesia peaked when legislators discussed the draft law on the narcotics law amendment. Efforts to legalize marijuana for medical purposes have also been pursued by testing the narcotics law. However, through decision number 106/PUU-XVII/2020, the Constitutional Court prohibited medical marijuana as a medical treatment. From the Human Rights perspective, everyone has the right to life and health. Therefore, in society's logic, the prohibition of using marijuana for medical treatment is the same as forbidding sick people to stay alive. It means that the state has failed to guarantee its citizens' lives. But on the other hand, several countries legalized medical marijuana, such as Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon, Netherlands, and Spain. So, why is Indonesia still banning the use of medical marijuana? This research tries to find the legal reasoning of Indonesia's government in the medical marijuana case. These problems were then analyzed using the prescriptive method with a comparative approach to finding new concepts related to legalizing medical marijuana in Indonesia. This study indicates that medical marijuana may be legal in the future of Indonesia's regime. It demonstrates by Indonesian Ulema Council and the Ministry of Health's political wills. The research recommendations are to provide proper education about medical marijuana and the prospect of legalization in the future.

Medical Marijuana Legalization and Opioid- and Pain-Related Outcomes Among Patients Newly Diagnosed With Cancer Receiving Anticancer Treatment

The past decade saw rapid declines in opioids dispensed to patients with active cancer, with a concurrent increase in marijuana use among cancer survivors possibly associated with state medical marijuana legalization. To assess the associations between medical marijuana legalization and opioid-related and pain-related outcomes for adult patients receiving cancer treatment. This cross-sectional study used 2012 to 2017 national commercial claims data and a difference-in-differences design to estimate the associations of interest for patients residing in 34 states without medical marijuana legalization by January 1, 2012. Secondary analysis differentiated between medical marijuana legalization with and without legal allowances for retail dispensaries. Data analysis was conducted between December 2021 and August 2022. Study samples included privately insured patients aged 18 to 64 years who received anticancer treatment during the 6 months after a new breast (in women), colorectal, or lung cancer diagnosis. State medical marijuana legalization that took effect between 2012 and 2017. Having 1 or more days of opioids, 1 or more days of long-acting opioids, total morphine milligram equivalents of any opioid dispensed to patients with 1 or more opioid days, and 1 or more pain-related emergency department visits or hospitalizations (hereafter, hospital events) during the 6 months after a new cancer diagnosis. Interaction terms were included between each policy indicator and an indicator of recent opioids, defined as having 1 or more opioid prescriptions during the 12 months before the new cancer diagnosis. Logistic models were estimated for dichotomous outcomes, and generalized linear models were estimated for morphine milligram equivalents. The analysis included 38 189 patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer (38 189 women [100%]), 12 816 with colorectal cancer (7100 men [55.4%]), and 7190 with lung cancer (3674 women [51.1%]). Medical marijuana legalization was associated with a reduction in the rate of 1 or more opioid days from 90.1% to 84.4% (difference, 5.6 [95% CI, 2.2-9.0] percentage points; P = .001) among patients with breast cancer with recent opioids, from 89.4% to 84.4% (difference, 4.9 [95% CI, 0.5-9.4] percentage points; P = .03) among patients with colorectal cancer with recent opioids, and from 33.8% to 27.2% (difference, 6.5 [95% CI, 1.2-11.9] percentage points; P = .02) among patients with lung cancer without recent opioids. Medical marijuana legalization was associated with a reduction in the rate of 1 or more pain-related hospital events from 19.3% to 13.0% (difference, 6.3 [95% CI, 0.7-12.0] percentage points; P = .03) among patients with lung cancer with recent opioids. Findings of this cross-sectional study suggest that medical marijuana legalization implemented from 2012 to 2017 was associated with a lower rate of opioid dispensing and pain-related hospital events among some adults receiving treatment for newly diagnosed cancer. The nature of these associations and their implications for patient safety and quality of life need to be further investigated.

The kids aren’t alright: The effects of medical marijuana market size on adolescents

We exploit shocks to US federal enforcement policy to assess how legal medical marijuana market size affects youth marijuana use and consequences for youth traffic-related fatalities. Using hand-collected data on state medical marijuana patient rates to develop a novel measure of market size, we find that legal market growth increases youth marijuana use. Likely mechanisms are lower prices and easier access. Youth die more frequently from alcohol-involved car accidents, suggesting complementarities for youths. The consequences of marijuana legalization for youth are not immediate, but depend on how supply-side regulations affect production and prices.