MedicalNeed
New Member
University of Guam students took on a hotly debated public policy issue last night at a forum that discussed legalizing medical marijuana.
"Higher Education - Going Green in Medicine," sponsored by the University of Guam Masters of Public Administration program, presented a community discussion on medical marijuana at the Guam Legislature. The discussion included public health experts, including Dr. Chris Dombrowski, who spoke about some of the drug's benefits, Mark Cain, a registered nurse and former public safety officer, Dr. Arnold Wax and Dr. Thomas Shieh, who participated via Skype from Hawaii, as well as Sen. Rory Respicio.
In June, Respicio introduced Bill 423, "The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010," which is meant to help people who are suffering from debilitating, chronic and painful illnesses and conditions. According to the bill, licensed physicians authorized to recommend and prescribe medicinal marijuana would have patients who are certified as having a debilitating medical condition register with the Department of Public Health and Social Services.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse.
The discussion touched on topics such as whether the decision to legalize medical marijuana should be based on medical science, or made by elected officials or criminal justice officials.
For some of the several dozen participants, many of whom were students from the University of Guam, the forum presented an opportunity to hear discussion points on a controversial issue.
University of Guam student Iumi Mori, originally from Chuuk, said she had never considered the medical uses of the drug. And although marijuana isn't regulated in her home state, she said the substance can often exacerbate problems like crime.
She said she would be open to a medical marijuana law, but was concerned about how it would be regulated once people were given access to the drug.
For Dededo resident Roque Blas, the medical marijuana issue hits closer to home. Decked out in a shirt with a glowing cannabis leaf T-shirt, Blas said that seeing his wife struggle with the side effects of chemotherapy while undergoing treatment for breast cancer made him support the bill.
"Marijuana to me, could have helped my wife," said Blas. He said his wife is recovering from cancer.
NewsHawk: MedicalNeed:420 MAGAZINE
Source:guampdn.com
Author: Erin Thompson
Contact: guampdn.com | Hagatna Contact Us | Pacific Daily News
Copyright: 2010 guampdn.com
Website:UOG students, doctors debate medical marijuana | guampdn.com | Pacific Daily News
"Higher Education - Going Green in Medicine," sponsored by the University of Guam Masters of Public Administration program, presented a community discussion on medical marijuana at the Guam Legislature. The discussion included public health experts, including Dr. Chris Dombrowski, who spoke about some of the drug's benefits, Mark Cain, a registered nurse and former public safety officer, Dr. Arnold Wax and Dr. Thomas Shieh, who participated via Skype from Hawaii, as well as Sen. Rory Respicio.
In June, Respicio introduced Bill 423, "The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010," which is meant to help people who are suffering from debilitating, chronic and painful illnesses and conditions. According to the bill, licensed physicians authorized to recommend and prescribe medicinal marijuana would have patients who are certified as having a debilitating medical condition register with the Department of Public Health and Social Services.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes marijuana as a Schedule I substance, which means it has a high potential for abuse.
The discussion touched on topics such as whether the decision to legalize medical marijuana should be based on medical science, or made by elected officials or criminal justice officials.
For some of the several dozen participants, many of whom were students from the University of Guam, the forum presented an opportunity to hear discussion points on a controversial issue.
University of Guam student Iumi Mori, originally from Chuuk, said she had never considered the medical uses of the drug. And although marijuana isn't regulated in her home state, she said the substance can often exacerbate problems like crime.
She said she would be open to a medical marijuana law, but was concerned about how it would be regulated once people were given access to the drug.
For Dededo resident Roque Blas, the medical marijuana issue hits closer to home. Decked out in a shirt with a glowing cannabis leaf T-shirt, Blas said that seeing his wife struggle with the side effects of chemotherapy while undergoing treatment for breast cancer made him support the bill.
"Marijuana to me, could have helped my wife," said Blas. He said his wife is recovering from cancer.
NewsHawk: MedicalNeed:420 MAGAZINE
Source:guampdn.com
Author: Erin Thompson
Contact: guampdn.com | Hagatna Contact Us | Pacific Daily News
Copyright: 2010 guampdn.com
Website:UOG students, doctors debate medical marijuana | guampdn.com | Pacific Daily News
