After conducting a nearly two year review of the medical literature, investigators at the National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine affirmed, Scientific data indicate the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation. Except for the harms associated with smoking, the adverse effects of marijuana use are within the range tolerated for other medications. Nevertheless, the authors noted cannabis inhalation would be advantageous in the treatment of some diseases, and that marijuana's short term medical benefits outweigh any smoking related harms for some patients. Predictably, federal authorities failed to act upon the IOM's recommendations, and instead have elected to continue their long-standing policy of denying marijuana's medical value. - Teri Heede pictured
