Marijuana as Medicine
Every one always asks what it’s like to live in Colorado, the pioneer in the legalization of medical marijuana as well as the recreational consumption of it. It’s always difficult to describe this without coming off as a consumer or non-consumer. It’s not about the consumption of one when answering this question but instead the knowledge that you can find throughout our state to then answer this question. Medical marijuana was approved here in Colorado before recreational use was approved therefore medical marijuana had much more of a culture shock to Coloradans. However, it is widely supported throughout the state to help with a list of illnesses.
Medical marijuana is something that many people seek even from out of state. This was a new alternative to all of the medication that patience were being prescribed.
It was a light of hope for many suffering patience and something that a lot of people can attest towards. However it is extremely difficult to get good research on the actual benefits of marijuana because in order to conduct research for a schedule 1 drug, you need federal approval. This is difficult because it’s a schedule 1 drug, meaning that they are illegal because of their abuse potential, safety concern, and lastly because they have no medical use. Now many argue, including myself, that on a federal level they usually only approve research that is trying to provide reasons why marijuana should stay illegal. Of course, this is all going against the states that have approved this for medical and recreational purposes. There are clearly many opposing opinions.
During my research, I expected to find more research that was based on the medical benefits of marijuana. However my project was a bit derailed when I realized just how difficult it was for people to want to research the topic and for people to be successful while doing it. Most researchers have been pushed back because of limitations in the area. It’s even harder to get physicians to move forward with using marijuana to cure/ help an illness because there is not enough data to back it up and at the end of the day their licenses are on the line.
Uncertain with future steps it is just difficult to use something for medical purposes that has not been approved federally.
In 2018, the agency approved Epidiolex (cannabidiol or CBD) oral solution for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare, severe forms of epilepsy. This drug is derived from marijuana according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
ClinicalTrials.com however seems to have an extensive list of future trials regarding marijuana. The Trials include Effects of medical marijuana on neurocognition which is interesting because it’s something that we should be taking a look at. It’s important to note if this is something that is going to start affecting long time users.
Regardless of the opposing opinions however and the lack of research, Colorado has gone medical and recreational. As I explored the Colorado website expressing interest in getting my MMJ card I came to the conclusion that this was a fairly easy website to navigate and that they seemed to be offering help and lists of things to include while applying. Here is what the website looks like:
Interesting to note that there is the same amount of help for those who are registering minors to become card holders and that it is only a $25 fee. Considering how taxed the world of cannabis is, it is interesting to see a $25 fee, while not surprising.
Now, the qualifying conditions to be approved for a MMJ card here in Colorado can also tend to spark some controversy. While those added in the list are important for those with the condition, it has been questioned why other conditions like autism aren’t on the list. There is no doubt that while we have been pioneers in the subject we still have a lot of work that needs to be done.
Non-approvers of cannabis in Colorado however are also using statistics to impair the movement being done with medical marijuana. I compared the December 2009 data set with the December 2018 data set offered by the Colorado Registry Program. These are the biggest factors when comparing the two. The data collected in 2009 is obviously not as dense as the one in 2018, as expected. The average age of card holders in 2009 are 40 years old. The average patient age is 44 years old in 2018, meaning that opposed to what is being said against the problem, marijuana is consumed by older patients than by the “younger crowds”. Not saying that young teens aren’t consuming marijuana. There are 41,039 card holders in 2009 and 86,641 card holders in 2018, as expected because the program has been around for longer. Also, 31 to 40 age bracket is the biggest age group with MMJ cards and 14,157 card holders are 61–70 years old. Opposing the major stigma that young generations are consuming more. PTSD was added to the list of reported conditions between 2009 and 2018. In 2009 37,912 reported severe pain as their reported condition while 80,478 reported it in 2019 which is expected as again the program has been around for longer.
Numbers have grown which counteracts with Julie’s statement made during our trip to Sweet Grass Kitchen that there was a decrease in MMJ cardholders this year because of the convenience of recreational marijuana. But this data set also leaves us hanging with the question of, “why is severe pain the growing condition reported for MMJ?”.
Overall, medical marijuana has developed strongly over the years that it has been present in Colorado. It has some opposing opinions but the state has really proved to be able to handle it as well as to be able to benefit from it from a lot of different perspectives. It has been approved to be able to help patients with pain, nausea, seizures, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer, and cachexia. The numbers are there and Colorado is definitely growing perspective on it.
Stats for 2018 in Co: DECEMBER
Stats for 2009 in Co: DECEMBER
