Is the Hype of Medical Marijuana All Smoke and Mirrors?

Abstract

Being classified as a Schedule I drug by the Federal government has not prevented states from passing their own medical marijuana laws. While there is no denying that marijuana's euphoria makes people feel better, there is a lack of scientific data to support the efficacy of marijuana for gastrointestinal diseases. Marijuana, when used as a medical treatment, should be held to the same standards as any other drug coming to market including investigating the adverse event profile and ensuring a rigorous quality control program. Although we are not writing a prescription in the classic definition, we are signing state paperwork supporting the use as a treatment for a medical illness. Therefore, we have the obligation to our patients to ensure that we are recommending a safe and effective drug. More research needs to be conducted until we can reach that conclusion.