文章基本信息

标题：The Use of Cannabis for Medical Purposes
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作者：Josephine H. Baxter ; Herschel M. Baker ; A. Stuart Reece MD 等
期刊名称：Journal of Global Drug Policy and Practice
电子版ISSN：1934-4708
出版年度：2013
卷号：7
期号：1
出版社：Institute on Global Drug Policy & the International Scientific and Medical Forum on Drug Abuse
摘要：There is widespread global discussion about the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Often termed ‘medical marijuana’, the matter has reached high levels of government in many countries. Of interest is the fact that the concept of ‘medical marijuana’ did not originate from those in the medical profession, but rather through a drug legalization lobby. These lobby groups generally focus on ‘smoked’ marijuana as the vehicle for administering cannabis. World-wide, there are many well-informed government authorities who are continuing to stand firm against such pro-drug lobby groups. For example, in Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration, does not endorse the use of marijuana for medical use, nor does the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in the United States. In addition numerous high profile medical and allied health organizations oppose the concept of ‘medical marijuana’. The challenge arises because cannabis is, globally, the most used illicit drug, with current research indicating that Australia and New Zealand have the highest prevalence of cannabis users. The research also confirms that the early uptake of cannabis is a likely cause for lifetime adverse health issues – both physical and psychological. Legalizing ‘medical marijuana’ leads to increased use and misuse, which, in turn exacerbates cannabis-related harms.