Marijuana and Pain Management : The Physician ’ s Catch 22 Review

In this paper, concerns connected to the usage of marijuana in treating patients are extensively analyzed. It is revealed that physicians have been in conflict with the federal government as to whether to use cannabis for medical purposes or if they should consider prescribing other drugs. A large percentage of physicians admit that marijuana could be an effective drug in treating patients, especially those with acute pain, nausea, AIDS, muscle spasms, and cancer, among other ailments. However, patients and physicians are scared of the strict laws that criminalize the use of marijuana for medical and recreational purposes. Physicians are also reluctant to discuss the risks of marijuana, even though they might consider recommending it for treatment. The federal government criminalized marijuana because it is highly addictive and poses a danger to the health of an individual. Although marijuana could be incorporated into treating patients suffering from several medical complications, it is critical to support further research that would reveal the guidelines that physicians must follow in ensuring that patients benefit from this kind of treatment. Assistant Professor, College of Health and Human Services, School of Physical Therapy, Touro University Nevada, USA *Corresponding author James McKivigan, Assistant Professor, College of Health and Human Services, School of Physical Therapy, Touro University Nevada, USA, Tel: (702)777-3096; E-mail: [email protected]. Submitted: 23 Nov 2016; Accepted: 12 Dec 2016; Published: 17 Dec 2016 Medical professionals have presented substantial evidence in support of incorporating marijuana in pain management. In medical research, the therapeutic benefits of herbal cannabis have been noted to be that marijuana has analgesic capabilities, and it could be applied in the medication of patients undergoing pain, helping them in the recovery process. Also, marijuana could be used in relieving anxiety and can effectively treat post-traumatic stress disorder, inflammatory bowel complication, and migraines. Indeed, some states in the U.S. have enacted legislation that allows marijuana to be administered for medical purposes [1]. Washington, Colorado, Alaska, and Oregon allow the use of marijuana for recreational purposes, and voters in Nevada and California have recently voted to permit recreational use as well. Perceptions of the laws restricting marijuana use changed when these states learned the medicinal value of cannabis sativa. It should be noted that the harmful effects of marijuana smoking have been well-documented. In fact, this is the reason it has been difficult for all states in the U.S. to allow marijuana smoking for recreational and medicinal purposes [2]. Nonetheless, medical practitioners need to accept that marijuana is an effective drug that could help patients undergoing intense pain. Furthermore, several studies have documented the usefulness of cannabis in treating cancer and other chronic diseases [3]. Additionally, it could be useful in treating mania, depression, or both. However, the medical benefits have not been comprehensively studied, except the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, the medicinal value of herbal cannabis is accepted reluctantly in the United States. In fact, some organizations have been fighting against the legalization of marijuana smoking in Colorado and Washington, stating that such moves encourage drug abuse. It should be noted that people who use marijuana face stigmatization. In hospitals and rehab centers, it is evident that marijuana addicts are struggling to fight off cannabis addiction [4]. It is not reasonable for medical personnel to promote a drug that would have severe effects if it is not controlled. The intriguing question is how cannabis smoking can be regulated, considering that it can lead to serious addiction problems. As such, society would not embrace the idea of smoking marijuana as a pain reliever if it has negative implications such as substance abuse and severe mental impairment. In some instances, the use of marijuana has led to mental impairment. However, medical research has supported the idea that patients who use cannabis mostly experience dry mouth and a high. It is essential to note that marijuana smoking reduces pain, causes sleep, and keeps a patient in a happy mood. However, this can only be possible if marijuana is administered in the right dosage [5]. Society expects that an individual should prioritize caring for their health and well-being. As such, people should avoid drugs that have a negative implication for their health. Considering what has been said about marijuana, it does not make sense for physicians to support this drug, even though it could be essential for patients in pain. An individual who smokes marijuana is equated to someone who does not care about his or her well-being. Some patients still have to question the effectiveness of cannabis as a medical