, Research Paper
Marijuana-for-AIDS Study?
The first domestic study of marijuana’s effects on AIDS patients is expected to begin in May in San Francisco. While this preliminary study is designed to focus on whether marijuana is safe enough for AIDS patients to use, it is the first clinical trial in 15 years that would obtain any data whatsoever on marijuana’s medical effectiveness.
On September 18, 1997, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) announced that it would give Donald Abrams, M.D., a grant to study marijuana’s safety as a medicine for people with AIDS. Dr. Abrams, an AIDS researcher at the University of California at San Francisco, has been trying since 1994 to obtain government permission to study medicinal marijuana. MPP and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) have been working to remove the government’s bureaucratic hurdles that blocked the research.
Unfortunately, the federal government would not allow Dr. Abrams’ research to proceed until the design was changed from primarily an efficacy study to primarily a safety study. That is, the study that Abrams proposed in 1994 would have focused on marijuana’s ability to increase the appetite of patients suffering from AIDS wasting syndrome (which causes patients to lose significant amounts of body weight). The approved study, however, will focus on the potential health risks of marijuana in people with AIDS who are also on other medications.
If, as MPP predicts, the approved study determines that marijuana’s risks are negligible — or at least acceptable — the path will be cleared to study marijuana’s medical efficacy in greater depth.
About the Study
The federal government, through the National Institutes of Health, will provide Dr. Abrams with $978,000 and a supply of marijuana. A total of 63 AIDS patients who have used marijuana in the past and who are presently taking protease inhibitors will participate. They will each be paid $1,000 to stay in a hospital for 25 days and either smoke marijuana, take a synthetic version of marijuana’s primary active ingredient (THC) in pill form, or take a placebo. The three groups of 21 subjects will be compared in terms of HIV levels, hormone levels, and other immune-system measures. The effects of marijuana and THC on the protease inhibitor metabolism will also be examined.
Some preliminary data on caloric intake will also be recorded, but it will not be detailed enough to answer definitively any questions about marijuana’s medical efficacy for AIDS patients.
Because of limited hospital space, only three patients at a time will be studied. Therefore, the study will take about a year and a half to complete.
How the Government Thwarted the Original Proposal
Dr. Abrams’ original proposal was approved by the FDA in 1994. The original study — which was to be privately funded — would have been completed more than two years ago and would have obtained preliminary data on marijuana’s ability to increase the appetite of patients suffering from AIDS wasting syndrome.
But the federal government has a monopoly on the legal supply of marijuana for research, and NIDA rejected Abrams’ first proposal. (This cannot happen to synthetic drugs developed by pharmaceutical companies, which can begin their research as soon as the FDA approves.) After nearly a year of stalling, NIDA Director Alan Leshner finally told Abrams that he would need to submit a grant application to NIH, of which NIDA is a part. Leshner argued that because “marijuana is money,” NIH would have to conduct a lengthy peer review, which it does whenever anyone applies to NIH for a grant.
So Abrams submitted a grant application in April 1996 — and it was rejected four months later. NIH said that the first study should focus almost exclusively on marijuana’s safety as opposed to efficacy. Abrams complied and submitted a third proposal in April 1997. This approved version is costing the federal government nearly $1 million, whereas the original version would have cost the government nothing except for the supply of marijuana.
Of course, the government is happy to spend $1 million in order to delay the efficacy research — and thereby the FDA’s approval of marijuana as a prescription medicine — for as long as possible.
The only way to ensure that useful medicinal marijuana research is conducted as soon as possible is to get NIDA out of the marijuana distribution business and allow studies to be conducted with non-government marijuana. Or, at the very least, NIDA should be required to provide its marijuana to all FDA-approved studies, whether funded by taxpayer dollars or private citizens. MPP helped convince an NIH advisory group and the American Medical Association to recommend just that. MPP will continue to try to change the policies that block, delay, and otherwise thwart medicinal marijuana research.
In the meantime, MPP is pleased that Dr. Abrams has finally been permitted to study marijuana with AIDS patients. MPP, MAPS, and Abrams are hopeful that the results will be favorable and he will be allowed to study marijuana’s medical efficacy in the near future. MPP strongly cautions the media and the government to avoid misconstruing the results of Abrams’ approved study: While it will collect some preliminary data on marijuana’s effectiveness, it is not designed to prove or disprove marijuana’s medical efficacy. Therefore, if the results do not show any effectiveness, this will not mean that marijuana has no medical value. Only the next study would answer that question.
Другие работы по теме:
Marijuana Yes Or No Essay Research Paper
Should Marijuana be Legalized? Abraham Lincoln once said, Prohibition makes crimes out of things that are not crimes. This is true with the prohibition of marijuana: the use of marijuana should not be a crime, but prohibition makes it one. The real crimes being committed are those by the government. The spend billions of our tax dollars every year in the war against marijuana, lie to us about the harmful effects, and deny sick patients the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Legalization Of Marijuana For Medical Purposes Essay
, Research Paper For years, there has been a contoversy over the legalization of marijuana. Marijuana is a drug made from the top of hemp plants. In the United States, it is classified as a narcotic drug that has been illegal since 1937. Unlike most narcotics though, it does not cause a physical dependency or addiction.
Cancer Essay Research Paper My friend John
Cancer Essay, Research Paper My friend, John, has an uncle who had cancer eight years ago. For five months, he had to get shots of chemotherapy every week. To him, the cancer wasn?t the
Medical Marijuana Essay Research Paper One of
Medical Marijuana Essay, Research Paper One of the most controversial issues in the United States is over medical marijuana. Many experiments test the validity of the drug as a medicine, and results of these experiments receive much praise but also some critique. The DEA and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) are battling over the issue.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper Most users roll
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Most users roll loose marijuana into a cigarette commonly known as a “joint.” A typical joint contains between 0.5 and 1.0 gram of Marijuana plant matter, which varies in THC content between 5 and 150 milligrams. The drug also can be smoked in a pipe. One well-known type of water pipe is the bong.
Argumentative Let
’s Smoke Some Pot Essay, Research Paper In most countries, marijuana is by law illegal because of its classification as an illicit drug, but the controversial issues have been established that this ?illicit drug? has improved the course of treatment for suffering patients. Marijuana has beneficial effects when used in medicinal scenarios like for example for the treatment of pain.
Should Marijuana Be Legalized For AIDS Use
? Essay, Research Paper Fifteen years ago the word AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) was barely used in the United States. Today, it’s on the cover of every newspaper, and parents and kids discuss it regularly in the household. It is no longer considered someone else’s problem; it is now everyone’s problem.
Should Marijuana Be Used To Relieve Aids
Patients Essay, Research Paper AIDS is a disease that causes great pain to its sufferers and has no cure. People with AIDS must live much of the rest of their lives in agony because there are few effective treatments available for their pain. There is one treatment, however, that can give relief to AIDS patients and has been proven in studies to do so, but is illegal and cannot be used.
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper The
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare the issue of legalizing it from both sides. We have two factions fighting each other, those who are pro-marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue in the halls of justice for years.
Teen Smoking Essay Research Paper Negative effects
Teen Smoking Essay, Research Paper Negative effects of Marijuana Marijuana is the least harmful drug, but it does have negative health effects. Though moderate users of marijuana are taking less risks than a moderate
Marijuana For Medicinal Purposes Essay Research Paper
Marijuana is illegal in fifty states because of its classification as an illicit drug, but controversial issues have been established that this "illicit drug" has improved the course of treatment for suffering patients. Marijuana has beneficial effects when used in medicinal scenarios for the treatment of pain; thus it should be an administered drug for patients who can benefit from the use of this drug.
The Use Of Marijuana For Medicinal Purposes
Essay, Research Paper Marijuana is illegal because of its classification as an illicit drug, but there are some issues that have been established saying that this ?illicit drug? has improved the treatment for suffering patients. Marijuana has lots of beneficial effects when used in medicinal settings for the treatment of pain; but it should be an administered drug for patients who can benefit from the use of this drug.
The Drug War Essay Research Paper Everyday
The Drug War Essay, Research Paper Everyday someone is thrown in state prison for anywhere from 3 years to life for the “illegal” use of the drug known as marijuana. It has come down to it that thousands of pounds of marijuana are smuggled over the border of Mexico and into the United States. Regardless of the fight or struggle of people to insure the so said safety of our younger generations from the use of these drugs more and more comes into the Unites States.
Marijuana Essay Research Paper IssuesThe issue I
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Issues The issue I would like to bring up is the legalization of medical and/or recreational marijuana. I feel this would be beneficial to most everyone, both users and non-users. Marijuana has been proven to help a great deal for glaucoma sufferers as stated in the Hallucinogenic Encyclopedia.
Weed Essay Research Paper The Marijuana Reform
Weed Essay, Research Paper The Marijuana Reform Party believes: That adults who choose to use marijuana in the privacy of their own homes should not be subject to civil or criminal sanctions.
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay Research Paper Legalizing MarijuanaThe
Legalizing Marijuanna Essay, Research Paper Legalizing Marijuana The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two opposite opinions fighting each other, those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti-marijuana. These two sides have been fighting on this issue for years.
Marijuana A Medicinal Drug Essay Research
Paper Marijuana: How can it’s Medical Use be Denied? Although marijuana may be an illegal drug, it has many medicinal values. However the federal government and the FDA agree that legalizing it for medical use will only cause problems in society. If legalized it will be easier to obtain, resulting in a rise of the recreational use.
Legalization Of Medicinal Marijuana Essay Research Paper
Legalization of Marijuana During the Carter, Reagan, and Bush administrations, eight people in the United States were allowed to use marijuana for medicinal purposes under the Compassionate Investigative New Drug program. However, since the Clinton administration no new applications have been accepted.
Should Medicinal Marijuana Essay Research Paper
Weeding Through the Debate: Should Medicinal Marijuana be Legal? Legalize Marijuana for Medicinal Purposes The debate is hot. Each side has its argument and is ready to fire away with statistics and
Marijuana Essay Research Paper MarijuanaBetter Kept IllegalMarijuanaColliers
Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana Better Kept Illegal Marijuana Collier?s Encyclopedia defines marijuana as a crude drug composed of the leaves, stems, and flowering buds of the Indian hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. The flowering tops of the plant secrete a sticky resin that contains the psychoactive material for which marijuana is used.
Medical Marijuana Essay Research Paper On November
Medical Marijuana Essay, Research Paper On November 5, 1996, Californians voiced their honest opinion. Californians voted yes on a very controversial proposition – proposition 215. This law allows doctors to prescribe marijuana to patients with diseases that have severe symptoms. For example, cancer patients that undergo chemo-therapy and suffer from severe nausea and aching can benefit from smoking marijuana.
Marijuana History Usage Essay Research Paper
Ben Holicky Marijuana is a drug that has been used for thousands of years. Marijuana was used in ancient China, as far back as 5000 B.C. The Incan?s and Mayan?s used marijuana in religious ceremonies. Marijuana also has roots in this country. The Indians of the plains used marijuana in their peace pipes as a sign of friendship and peace.
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper MarijuanaMarijuana
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Marijuana Marijuana is the most profitable and versatile plant in the world, yet it is illegal. Tobacco and alcohol have no medicinal values, but they are legal. Where as marijuana has thousands of positive uses and it is illegal. Marijuana should be made legal for its many positive therapeutic, environmental, and economic effects.
Aids 4 Essay Research Paper AIDS Acquired
Aids 4 Essay, Research Paper AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a deadly disease for which there is no cure. This disease was first recognized in the mid 1980’s. The cause of AIDS is the HIV virus, and is most commonly spread by venereal routes or exposure to contaminated blood or blood products.
Legalization Of Marijuana 5 Essay Research Paper
Legalization of Marijuana Legalization of Marijuana has quickly become a controversial issue in America. In the United States, legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes is spreading to the state level. For example, in November 1996, the people of California and Arizona voted to legalize marijuana for medicinal reasons.
Legalize It Essay Research Paper In the
Legalize It Essay, Research Paper In the words of Peter Tosh “legalize it do not criticize it!” Marijuana Should ve legalized for medicinal, recreational, and religioys purposes. Legalization has been a big issus for the last couple of years. Arizona and Califouria have both instated medical Marijuana laws.These laws are a huge step for universal legalization.
Why It Should Be Legal Essay Research
Paper Why Marijuana Should be Legal For my final paper I am going to do it on why marijuana should be legal. I will provide factual information that will prove that there are more reasons that it should be legal than illegal. Using studies done by doctors and scientist that prove that it is used to cure many illnesses and medical conditions.
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper I for
Legalize Marijuana Essay, Research Paper I, for one, believe that Marijuana should be legalized. I have several reasons for this, the main one is that it would almost completely eliminate the crime and other
Legalize Marijuana Essay Research Paper Should Marijuana 2
Legalize Marijuana? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? The purpose of this paper is to discuss marijuana and compare both sides of the issue of legalizing marijuana. We have two factions fighting each other; one those who are pro marijuana and those who are anti marijuana. These two factions have been fighting on this issue for many, many years.
Should Marijuana Be Legalized Essay Research Paper 2
Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Essay, Research Paper Should Marijuana be Legalized? Aaron Roberts Mr. Marshall 4/5/00 Marijuana should be legalized. Marijuana s composition is complex, and has a number of physiological effects. Also, a reason for marijuana legalization is the potential wealth of health benefits that have largely been ignored (www.howardcc.edu).
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay Research Paper Legalization
Legalization Of Marijuana Essay, Research Paper Legalization of medical marijuana This act may be cited as the ? legalization of marijuana? Sec. 1 This bill will be for the well being of the pain stricken patients in our nation’s hospitals, a doctor that will decide if a patient is illegible to receive marijuana.