The use of medical cannabis dates back to an old tradition in Western medicine. It is definitely one of the most talked-about topics in recent times. Despite controversies, the potential benefits are still promising, specifically in the medical field.
As medical cannabis continues to become widely accepted and available globally, experts believe that will become more readily used in the years to come. It is also undeniable that despite its massive growth in availability and convenience, many people will still have concerns when they hear "cannabis" or "marijuana," including legal, ethical, and societal concerns. This is the reason ethical considerations should guide the prescription of medical cannabis. Recommendations should be based on its benefits.
History and Legality
Cannabis is a plant that can be traced back to primeval times. There is actual evidence of THC in ashes that were believed to be used medically around 400 AD. However, in the US, it was first used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Back then, it was considered a patent medicine, as first discussed in the United States Pharmacopoeia in 1850. It was eventually dropped and criminalized in 1942. Years after, more penalties were imposed for illegal possession during 1951 and 1956. Laws were made to hinder this field from growing. The Boggs and Narcotic Control Acts and Controlled Substances Act of 1970 were enacted.
The first state to legalize medical cannabis was California in 1996. And now, the industry has greatly grown in terms of acceptance. The medical use of marijuana is legalized in more than 30 states now. Four US-occupied territories and the District of Columbia also have done the same. To restrict access to high-potency CBD products, some of these states have laws to control availability according to the products' THC content. The reasons behind its legalization are quite beneficial, making it too tempting for lawmakers and businesses to deny it. One of the best reasons legalization seems to knock every state's door is it creates jobs. Unemployment, especially during this pandemic, is inevitable. Marijuana legalization creates a new market that provides tons of economic opportunities.
Additionally, marijuana legalization reduces harm. Its criminalization triggers violence and corruption, especially amongst youth. The states and local governments also get a new source of tax revenue with legalization. The benefits should always outweigh the downsides. To cope with the fast-paced growth of this industry, we should be more meticulous than ever. This is why quality control through ethical considerations is imperative.
What Are the Ethical Considerations?
Principles should guide the whole medication process. Products should only be available to people with cannabis-treatable diseases. The standards, however, vary from state and state. These are the things we should consider before using marijuana as medicine:
Informed Consent
This is a process where the health care provider educates the patient about their condition and testing options and treatment options, including risks and benefits. This will give the patient specific knowledge to decide whether they really want to take the recommended treatment. In this process, they will also be given a chance to ask questions.
Voluntary Participation
This process is closely related to informed consent. After being informed, the patient should voluntarily participate in the actual process of the treatment.
Confidentiality
Even though medical marijuana is now widely legalized in several states, many people are still not fully embracing this concept due to other beliefs. Patients might accept the treatment option but still choose to keep the records as confidential as possible.
Favorable Benefit-to-Risk Ratio
The health care provider should always find a way to express the risk-to-benefit ratio. It is best if health care providers offer cannabis treatment options only when the benefits greatly outweigh the risks.
Monitoring and Side Effects
The considerations shouldn't stop when the patient takes medicine. In some cases, there are patients who experience side effects. Hence, there should be a long process of monitoring, ensuring that the patient is always in good shape.
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