The Medical Marijuana Conundrum

Cannabis (marijuana) has a long history of use in medicine going back to 2900 BC where the Chinese considered it one of the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Throughout history there are recordings of the herb being used in oils and hemp grown for medicinal purposes. It was brought to North America with the Jamestown settlers and there is proof that both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grew it on their farms.  It is predicted in the coming months and years that the political, social, and commercial interests in the cannabis industry will push for more legalization for medical marijuana. This reverse trend in public response will greatly change the horizon for medicine. It is inherent that as a segment of continuing education for the medical community that a discussion of the integration of medical marijuana into the treatment and care of patients be included.

Author: Marilyn, Sackett, MEd, RT(R), FASRT