Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Annotated Bibliography



Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project Two: Annotated Bibliography

6 April 2014

 

   Jacques, Erica. “Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment.” 4 November 2013.

Erica Jacques wrote “Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment” talking about the different treatments used for chronic nerve pain. She first points out the challenge of treating chronic nerve pain and the ineffectiveness of traditional forms of pain killers and other medications have in treating this pain. Jacques also points out the different traditional forms of medicine used to treat nerve pain and the effectiveness and problems associated with each.

The different types of medication used to treat chronic nerve pain anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and traditional painkillers. These painkillers used to treat chronic nerve pain often can be ineffective and can end up giving the patient long-term effects, such the case with opioids. The large variety of treatments available for chronic nerve pain exemplifies the challenge of providing the most effective treatment.

 

 

Pain Management of America. “Chronic Pain Treatment and Management with Medical Marijuana.”

            This section on the Pain Management of America website discusses the treatment of medical marijuana for people with chronic pain. It discusses and presents the different ingredients found in cannabis that provide relief for the pain and can reduce the use of opioids which is a traditional form of medicine used for chronic pain. The end of this web page discusses the action that needs to be taken in meeting with a medical marijuana doctor to talk about the possibilities of using this treatment if necessary. The overall point of this is to give knowledge about the benefits medical marijuana can have for people that suffer through chronic pain and how it is a better alternatives to the traditions forms of medication that can have much more severe side effects.

 

The discussion of traditional forms of medicine and their side effects is a large aspect in promoting medical marijuana for the treatment of chronic pain. Many traditional forms of medication used involves the presence of opioids, which many time make it difficult for the person to have adequate pain management. The side effects of marijuana is compared with the side effects many of these opioids have and marijuana seems to be the safer and more effective alternative in providing the most relief. The idea of this web page is to claim marijuana as the best medicine for chronic pain and the different evidence that supports this claim. Different statistics about the amount of people that claimed to get the most benefits of marijuana are high and the long-term effect opioids has when used for treatment gives a large amount of credibility to marijuana being a more beneficial way to treat patients with chronic pain.

 

The Legalization of Marijuana: Medical and Economic Benefits: An Annotated Bibliography

Chan, Amanda. Live Science. “Marijuana’s Active Ingredient Improves Cancer Patients’ Appetites.” 23 February 2011.

Amanda Chan writes “Marijuana’s Active Ingredient Improves Cancer Patients’ Appetites,” giving advantages the treatment of medical marijuana has for patients with cancer. Chan discusses the ingredients of marijuana and how different parts of cannabis have different medical properties used to treat cancer. This article is based largely on certain studies and tests made by Wendy Wismer, a food scientist at the University of Alberta in Canada. These studies are used to provide facts about how THC improves appetite in patients with cancer. Chan also touches on the different reasons for side effects seen with cancer and how marijuana can play a part in alleviating these. The overall message portrayed in the article written by Amanda Chan is that the ingredients in marijuana can have a positive effect in helping cancer patients gain the necessary appetite.

 

The active ingredient, THC, increases the appetite of cancer patients and improves their sense of taste, which is sometimes altered with chemotherapy. Chan not only provides statistics that give negative feedback to the use of marijuana as a treatment for cancer, but also discusses how people with advanced cancer tend to burn more calories and lose more weight quickly, where THC can do its magic in increasing the patient’s overall appetite and desire to eat. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, often times result in the patient becoming nauseous and not having the ability to hold food down. Chemotherapy also many times has a negative effect on the patient’s taste and can make a certain food taste sort of metallic. The different studies and factual information used by Chan to convey her message on the benefits marijuana can bring to cancer patients gives a large amount of credibility to the use of this treatment.

Ferner, Matt. Huffington Post. “Marijuana Compounds Can Kill Some Cancer Cells: Study.” 25 October 2013.

            Matt Ferner wrote “Marijuana Compounds Can Kill Some Cancer Cells: Study” discussing the properties of marijuana and how they potentially have the ability to actually fight cancer, specific type being leukemia. The main medical property of marijuana Ferner talks about is cannabinoids. The information gathered by Ferner to provide credibility to his argument comes from a case study made by Dr. Wai Liu, an oncologist at St. George's University of London. This study was composed of six different non-psychoactive cannabinoid elements applied separately to leukemia cells. The outcome of this study shows the effect cannabinoids have on switching off pathways that allow cancer to grow. The overall message Ferner wants to give his readers is the effectiveness marijuana has in fighting leukemia, with the presentation of statistical studies to reflect his point.

This article is very informative on the ability of marijuana properties to fight cancer. Dr. Wai Liu, although was presented with evidence from his study that suggested the effectiveness cannabinoids have in fighting cancer in leukemia, he did give negative feedback on smoking marijuana. Liu discusses potential problems associated with cannabis and does make note of the work and observations to come before completely ruling marijuana to be a safe treatment. The main point of this article is to reflect the studies made by Dr. Wai Liu, with the possibility of lowering the high number of predicted deaths annually in the United States. The information from this article gives hope of the millions of lives marijuana could save if it does have the leukemia fighting ability as seen in Liu’s studies.

            Truth on Pot. “Can Medical Marijuana Fight Leukemia?” 28 April 2013.

            This article on the Truth on Pot website provides information claiming marijuana to have properties in fighting leukemia. The beginning of the web page consists of the definition of leukemia and different problems associated with it. This article discusses the effect marijuana has on these cancer cells and how different properties of cannabis have aspects in fighting leukemia. There is a large amount of evidence and studies that back up the idea of marijuana being able to fight this cancer and prevent the growth of it in other areas. The article is aimed at supplying the reader with the benefits and effect marijuana can have when used to treat patients with leukemia.

            The different medical properties marijuana is what gives it the ability to fight leukemia. The understanding of the disease and knowing what patients with this form of cancer have to go through is the first step in analyzing what treatments are best. The article talks about the THC and CBD properties of marijuana as what gives the plant the ability to fight leukemia. A few different case studies analyzed in this article reflects the THC property of marijuana and cannabinoids as large factors in killing leukemia cell lines. Another study shows the ability of CBD, a non-psychoactive part of marijuana, to kill leukemia cell lines in both humans and animals. The final point made in the article discusses the combination of both marijuana and chemotherapy and how it will lead to rates of cell death that could never be achieved with just one medication. The ability of the properties of marijuana to fight leukemia and kill cancerous cells is made credible with the statistics and studies represented.

National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drug Facts: Marijuana. January 2014.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse website provides a section dealing with different facts associated with marijuana. The web page first provides a scientific definition of marijuana and discusses how it is widely used around the United States. These Drug Facts also consist of how marijuana is smoked, giving examples of how it can be rolled into cigarettes or made into a tea. include different negative aspects marijuana can have and discuss whether or not the substance can actually be considered a medication, based on the FDA definition of a medication being consistent in chemical balance, while cannabis has many different chemical compositions. The final aspect of marijuana discussed in the Drug Facts Section is the addictiveness of the substance. Overall, marijuana has been seen to mainly be seen in those who start smoking at a young age and smokers that have been using marijuana long-term and suddenly decide to quit. The overall message provided by these Drug Facts point fingers in a more opposing point of view to the legalization of marijuana.

The main point of this section is to provide the reader with information about marijuana and is aimed to provide more of a negative point of view on the use of marijuana for either recreational or medical purposes. One negative included about the use of marijuana is how smoking it can have negative effects on lungs and can stimulate the possibility of respiratory problems. Another aspect provided is the negative impact using marijuana can have on brain development. The topic of abuse is presented with statistical evidence showing the abuse of the substance already in play in states where it is medically legal. The negative effects marijuana has is greatly reflected in this Drug Facts section, along with how it is not by definition a medicine based on the standards of the FDA. These facts put marijuana use in a very negative light, but do provide the necessary details about the issues that can come along with using it.

CNBC. Business. “Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana.” 20 April 2010.

            This article in the Business section of the CNBC website discusses the reasons for why the United States should not legalize marijuana. The main point of argument in not legalizing it is due to the aspect of abuse that can take place. Different statistics are present to show how some patients being treated for medical marijuana are abusing it. The article talks a lot about the financial and social costs legalizing marijuana could have. The overall point trying to be made in this article is to provide different aspects of society that could essentially be improved by reducing the use of marijuana. The article talks about the financial and social costs legalizing it could have with the lack of prevention from the youth and an increase in drug impaired driving. The overall point trying to be made in this article is to show the reader a negative point of view of marijuana and provides different aspects of society that could essentially be improved by reducing marijuana.

 

            The overall message given in this article is a negative view of marijuana and the reflection of different negative aspects. Statistics from the criminal justice show that marijuana was an identified drug of abuse for the majority of individuals referred to treatment. Another point made in relation to the abuse is how marijuana is currently the leading cause of substance dependence other than alcohol in the U.S. This does indeed provided factual evidence of the abuse that can be associated with cannabis. The article also does different case studies to support their claim. One study focuses on fatally injured drivers in Washington state and how 12.7 of these drivers tested positive for marijuana. This is an argument used to blame marijuana for impairing the driver and presenting the overall consequences from drug-related car accidents. The overall point of this article is to stray the reader in the direction of being against legalizing marijuana. This article is very credible with many different pieces of factual information to back the point up along with statistics.

Easton, Stephen. Bloomberg BusinessWeek. “Legalize Marijuana for Tax Revenue.” “PRO: Fund crime-or taxes?”

            This discussion dealing with the legalization of marijuana for tax revenue is found in the Bloomberg BusinessWeek and provides both the pros and cons of the legalization of marijuana for the economy. Stephen Easton talks about the positive effects marijuana is having on producing revenue. He uses different statistics from the revenue gained by California through medical marijuana to back up his reasoning for the effects on revenue it could have for the entire country. He talks about large amount of spending on marijuana by U.S. consumers and how it is continuing to add up. Easton believes in the use of marijuana to gain revenue.

 

            The main point of Stephen Easton’s argument is that the legalization of marijuana could completely change society with the rise in the amount of Americans that support the idea to legalize it and the reflection of revenue it has already gained from medical marijuana in California. Along with the point of tax revenue, he talks about the large amount of U.S. consumer spending that has already taken place and can improve the economy if every state legalizes the sale of marijuana and there becomes a tax revenue placed to help the debt situation, which was done with alcohol and cigarettes. The overall idea Easton has is for the government to take the organized crime associated with marijuana away and put this control of the industry into the hands of the government.

Martinez, Michael. CNN U.S. “10 things to know about nation’s first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado.” 1 January 2014

            This article written by Michael Martinez on the CNN website states and evaluates ten different things to know about first recreational marijuana shops in Denver, Colorado. This information reflects the different questions in the back of many Americans minds such as why it was legalized, the maximum amount allowed to be bought, and different situations dealing with law enforcement and where it is okay to smoke. The analysis of different aspects associated with the medical marijuana stores in Colorado does provide a large information on how the legalization process is working and the different regulations with marijuana use and the growing of the plant.

            Martinez gives information on why marijuana should be legal, first stating the 10 million dollars tax payers would save a year from not forcing the prohibition on it. This article is used to inform the reader about different aspects of the marijuana industry and talks about the use of medical and recreational. When buying marijuana recreationally, it is important to know all the rules. He gives information on the different areas where people are allowed to smoke marijuana, consisting of strictly private places. Along with where to smoke, Martinez talks about growing polices and information about law enforcement dealing with marijuana. The overall message of Martinez is to provide information to people about the marijuana industry that has officially began in the United States.

 

Glaucoma Research Foundation. “Cure and Treatment.” “Should You Be Smoking Marijuana To Treat Your Glaucoma?”

            This article found on the Glaucoma Research Foundation web page is written by Henry D. Jampel, MD, MHS, the Odd Fellows Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, and a practicing glaucoma specialists. In this article, he suggests both positive and negative features of using medical marijuana to treat different aspects of glaucoma. Jampel begins the article by providing the reader with general knowledge about what glaucoma is and the negative effects of this disease are. In addition to what glaucoma is, he gives information on the different kinds of traditional treatment used to treat this and how some of these treatments do not sometimes lower pressure in the patient’s eyes as well as marijuana.

The article discusses the positive impact marijuana can have in lowering the pressure of patient’s eyes and have less side effects than other traditional forms of treatment. Although there is a presentation of benefits associated with the treatment of medical marijuana for people with glaucoma, he does make note of a few disadvantages and side effects. Some side effects he focused on is the overall laziness and poor judgment the high of marijuana can cause a person to have. A large disadvantage Jampel associates with treating glaucoma with marijuana is how it lowers blood pressure, which might hurt the optic nerve and have a negative impact on the glaucoma patient. There is a presence of both advantages and disadvantages associated with the use of medical marijuana to treat glaucoma patients, but Henry D. Jampel supplies more of an opposing point of view of this specific treatment. The negative possibilities associated with medical marijuana and glaucoma patients used by Jampel makes this treatment not look as flawless as described at other points, but still does not compare to the possible long-term effects associated with other traditional forms of treatment.  

Blog 5 Draft


Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project Two: Blog 5

7 April 2014

Why Is Marijuana Illegal When Alcohol Has More Negative Aspects?

            The debate of whether or not to officially legalize marijuana intensified when the first marijuana stores in Denver, Colorado opened on January 1st, 2014 which began the sale of the substance to people of 21 years or older. In the analysis of whether or not marijuana should be made legal, it is important to consider different “legal” substances used by people to enjoy themselves or relax, a main one being alcohol. The negative aspects of alcohol give criticism to why marijuana, which does not have many of the problems associated to the consumption of alcohol, is not legal and alcohol is. Drinking alcohol can create short-term health risks, like injuries or violence when intoxicated, and long-term health risks, such as neurological problems or cardiovascular problems (Alcohol Use and Health). Along with these problems, the irresponsible consumption of alcohol has led to many fatalities, ranging from drunk-driving accidents to binge drinking. While marijuana does have its side effects and should not be abused, it does not nearly have as many detrimental results as that of when alcohol is irresponsibly used. 

            The United States has experienced its share of negative points of view towards the consumption of alcohol, with the varying drinking age over time and the criticism and awareness gained of alcohol-related fatalities occurring among teenagers. A large reason for the change of the drinking age from 21 to 18 in 1982 when President Reagan told each state they would lose a percentage of federal highway dollars if they failed to comply with raising the minimum drinking age (History 1). The efforts of Reagan to raise the minimum drinking age was a result of many drunk-driving fatalities that were occurring. These alcohol-related fatalities are creating world-wide problems, with the annual alcohol-related deaths worldwide is 2.5 million. Along with the varying factors alcohol has played in American society overtime, the misuse of alcohol is a global problem that is playing a large factor in decreasing both individual and social development. Some of these social development issues associated with alcohol include violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace (2.5 Million Alcohol-Related Deaths Worldwide-Annually). These negative characteristics that can come along with the consumption of alcohol provides a large question for why it is legal, with so many possibilities of detrimental events happening. The argument of whether or not marijuana should be legalized needs to be presented with the truth of how harmful the consumption of alcohol can be, even though it is legal in every state.

            Although alcohol consumption does provide a large amount of danger if not used responsibly, marijuana has problems and different side-effects associated with it as well. A few main negative effects marijuana may have is its effect it can have on the brain, heart, and lungs. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, acts on cannabinoid receptors located in some brain areas and can influence the activity of those cells, although other areas of the brain have few to none at all. These receptors are usually found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement (T, Buddy 1). These effects marijuana can have on the brain do provide negative feedback on the use of marijuana, but still do not compare to some of the problems associated with alcohol. Along with the effect marijuana can possibly have on the users’ brain, it can also impact their heart. After smoking marijuana, the heart begins to beat more rapidly and blood pressure begins to drop within minutes. Marijuana can cause the heart to beat 20 to 50 more beats per minute and can make a person 4 times likely of having a heart attack than if they were to not smoke (T, Buddy 1). The faster heart beat and lower blood pressure may present negative qualities of marijuana, it does still not guarantee a heart attack to occur and could not be used as a valid characteristic used to argue why alcohol should be legal instead of marijuana. Along with the small effects seen in the brain and heart, marijuana can have effects on the lungs if smoked enough. Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat. Marijuana smokers can also experience similar respiratory problems as tobacco smokers such as, daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, increased risk of lung infections, and obstructed airways (T, Buddy 1). Although these are some negative effects marijuana has been said to possibly have on users,’ none of these include any fatalities or other serious problems that can come with irresponsibly consuming alcohol.

            In analyzing why alcohol is legal and marijuana is not, there is a large amount of evidence that questions why it is like this. The small side-effects marijuana has do not measure up to the alcohol-related fatalities that have occurred and the enormous global alcohol-related death rate. There is no doubt that the abuse of marijuana can have negative effects, but the possibility of these effects does not measure up to what will definitely happen if a person drinks too much alcohol, or binge drinks. These problems associated with alcohol needs to be made known to people who oppose the use of marijuana, but sit down every night and crush beers. The problems that can occur and the lives that have been lost from alcohol supplies a large amount of criticism to why it is legal and why marijuana is not.

 

 

Marijuana vs. Alcohol: Are the Negative Effects of Alcohol Worse than Marijuana?


Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project Two: Blog 5

7 April 2014

Blog 5: Marijuana vs. Alcohol: Are the Negative Effects of Alcohol Worse than Marijuana?

            The debate of whether or not to officially legalize marijuana largely intensified when the first marijuana stores opened in Denver, Colorado on January 1, 2014, which began the recreational sale to people of 21 years or older. In the analysis of whether or not marijuana should be made legal, it is important to consider already “legal” substances used by people to have a good time or relax, one being alcohol. The negative characteristics associated with alcohol gives criticism to why marijuana is not legal and alcohol is. Consuming alcohol can create short-term health risks, like injuries or violence when intoxicated; and long-term health risks, such as neurological problems or cardiovascular problems (Alcohol Use and Health 1). Along with these problems, the irresponsible consumption of alcohol has led to many fatalities, ranging from drunk-driving accidents to binge drinking. While marijuana does have side effects and should not be abused, it does not have nearly as many detrimental results as that of when alcohol is irresponsibly used. 

            The United States has experienced its share of negative view points of the consumption of alcohol, with the varying drinking age over time and the awareness of alcohol-related fatalities occurring among teenagers. A large reason for the change of the drinking age from 21 to 18 was in 1982 when President Reagan told each state they would lose a percentage of federal highway dollars if they failed to comply with raising the minimum drinking age. The efforts of Reagan to raise the minimum drinking age was a result of many drunk-driving fatalities among young people. These alcohol-related fatalities are creating world-wide problems, with 2.5 million alcohol-related deaths annually around the world. Along with the various problems alcohol has contributed to American society over time, the misuse of alcohol is a global problem and is playing a large factor in decreasing both individual and social development. Some of the social development issues associated with alcohol include violence, child neglect and abuse, and absenteeism in the workplace (2.5 Million Alcohol-Related Deaths Worldwide-Annually). These negative possibilities that can occur when drinking alcohol provides the question of why it is legal if marijuana is not. The argument of whether or not marijuana should be legalized needs to include a comparison of facts and side effects with marijuana use and alcohol consumption, which puts marijuana in a more positive light.

            Although alcohol consumption does provide a large amount of danger if not used responsibly, marijuana has problems and different side-effects associated with it as well. A few main negative effects marijuana can possibly have is its effect it can have on the brain, heart, and lungs. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, acts on cannabinoid receptors located in some brain areas and can influence the activity of those cells, although other areas of the brain have few to none at all. These receptors are usually found in parts of the brain that influence pleasure, memory, thought, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement (T, Buddy 1). The effects it can have on the brain does give negative feedback on the use of marijuana, but still does not compare to problems associated with alcohol. Along with the minimal effect marijuana can have on the users’ brain, it can also impact their heart. After smoking marijuana, the heart begins to beat more rapidly and blood pressure begins to drop within minutes. Marijuana can cause the heart to beat 20 to 50 more beats per minute and can make a person 4 times likely of having a heart attack than if they were to not smoke (T, Buddy 1). The faster heart beat and lower blood pressure may be negative qualities of the substance, but it still does not guarantee a heart attack will occur and is not a valid point to use when comparing it with alcohol, due to the health risks and number of alcohol-related fatalities around the world.   Marijuana can affect the lungs if smoked enough. Smoking marijuana, even infrequently, can cause burning and stinging of the mouth and throat. Marijuana smokers can also experience similar respiratory problems as tobacco smokers such as, daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent acute chest illness, increased risk of lung infections, and obstructed airways (T, Buddy 1). Although there is clearly the possibility negative effects occurring when using marijuana, but none of these include fatalities or strong effects to a person’s health, as seen in alcohol. There are overall less negative effects associated with marijuana than alcohol, even though alcohol is legal in every state and consumed by a large amount of Americans.

In analyzing why alcohol is legal and marijuana is not, there is credible evidence that raise questions for why it is like this. Based on the knowledge of both substances, it seems that the script would be switched and alcohol would be illegal with the more side effects and danger presented with drinking. There is no doubt that abusing marijuana can have negative effects, but only a slim possibility of these effects does not measure up to definite effects of alcohol if not used responsibly. The problems associated with alcohol and how much more severe they are than marijuana needs to be made known to people who oppose the idea of it being legalized, but sit down on the couch every night and crack cold ones. The problems with abuse and lives lost from alcohol gives a strong argument for why marijuana is not legal and alcohol is, which is putting society in more harm than marijuana ever could.
 
Works Cited
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Fact Sheets-Alcohol Use and Health.”14 March 2014. <http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/fact-sheets/alcohol-use.htm>.
Choose Responsibly. “History.” <http://www.chooseresponsibility.org/history/>.
National Council on Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, INC. “2.5 Million Alcohol-Related Deaths Worldwide-Annually. <http://www.ncadd.org/index.php/in-the-news/155-25-million-alcohol-related-deaths-worldwide-annually>.
T, Buddy. Alcoholism. “The Health Effects of Marijuana.” 18 March 2014. <http://alcoholism.about.com/od/pot/a/effects.-Lya.htm>.

Does Marijuana Provide More Benefits For Patients with Glaucoma than Traditonal Medications?


Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project 2: Blog 4

6 April 2014

 

Blog Four: Does Marijuana Provide More Benefits For Patients with Glaucoma than Traditional Medications?

            Medical marijuana often times provides more benefits to patients with glaucoma than other traditional forms of medicine. Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the cable that carries visual information from the eye to the brain (Care and Treatment 1). Cannabis plays a factor in lowering the eye pressure of patients with glaucoma, providing relief to pain, and overall improving their lives. Many times, the “usual” forms of medication will not be as effective in helping the patient. Common treatments used to lower the eye pressure of patients with glaucoma are eye drop medications, laser treatment, and operating room surgery. These medications and treatment options can sometimes virtually produce no beneficial results and possibly cause unacceptable side effects (Care and Treatment 1). The inconsistency experienced from different treatments and the positive effects marijuana has exhibited in glaucoma patients that use this medication allows for strong argument in the analysis of whether or not marijuana is the best medication for these patients.

            Glaucoma is one of the leading reasons for blindness, affecting over 60 million individuals worldwide. The use of marijuana can help prevent people with glaucoma from going completely blind by its ability to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is the leading cause of optic nerve damage due to glaucoma and causes harm to the eyes of many patients with glaucoma. Cannabis plays a large factor in reducing this pressure, with a study showing that more than 80 percent of patients that smoked marijuana out of an ice-cooled water pipe experienced a reduction in IOP of 16-45 percent. This study displays the positive impact marijuana has on reducing the IOP of patients with glaucoma. (Medical Marijuana for Glaucoma Treatment, Symptoms 1). There is no known cure of glaucoma but combining traditional medication and marijuana, as instructed by an ophthalmologist, can create an effective treatment plan to delay or avoid the need for surgery (Medical Marijuana and Glaucoma Treatment, Symptoms 1). The use of marijuana to treat patients with glaucoma has a large range of benefits and fewer effects than other medications, which brings up the question of why any state would not give people with this disease the opportunity to decide for themselves whether or not it is the best overall alternative treatment.  

            Traditional forms of medicines used to treat glaucoma have not always been consistent in providing the most relief for pain and are many times accompanied with a range of possible side effects. A couple of common categories of traditional medications are taken to reduce the intraocular pressure are Carbonic Anhydrase Inhibitors (CAI) and Cholinergic. CAIs reduce eye pressure by decreasing the production of intraocular fluid and are available as eye drops and pills. These medications do not always benefit the patient and have a large amount of side effects, such as tingling or loss of strength of the hands and feet, upset stomach, mental fuzziness, memory problems, depression, kidney stones, and frequent urination (Medication Guide 1). Cholinergic (Miotics) is another category of medications used to reduce IOP by draining the intraocular fluid through the trabecular meshwork and is more effective if combined with another medication. The main side effect associated with this medication is dim vision, especially at night or in movie theatres. The reason for dim vision when taking these medications is due to the constriction of the pupil, occurring from the increase the drainage of intraocular fluid and making the size of the pupil smaller (Medication Guide 1). The side effects and inconsistency in lowering eye pressure seen from medications places the idea of marijuana being the best medication for treating glaucoma in the spotlight.

Marijuana does have its share of side effects, but there is an overwhelming quantity of evidence of the benefits it supplies in decreasing intraocular pressure. The potentially serious physical side effects associated with smoking marijuana include an increased heart rate and a decrease in blood pressure. A few studies show how single-administration marijuana use has shown to lower blood pressure along with the lowering of IOP, which has raised concerns that there may be compromised blood flow to the optic nerve. Lower blood pressure can potentially prevent the medication from actually lowering the IOP, making marijuana less effective as treatment for glaucoma. Another disadvantage associated with using cannabis as a valid medicine to treat glaucoma is the amount of the substance needed to keep the IOP levels low at all times. Due to the short duration of the induced fall in IOP, an individual would have to smoke a marijuana cigarette eight to ten times a day in order to control IOP over 24 hours (Marijuana in the Treatment of Glaucoma CTA-2013). This information suggests that a person would need to continuously use marijuana throughout the day in order to keep the intraocular pressure low. This indeed establishes negativity towards the argument of marijuana being the most effective treatment for glaucoma, but other studies provide the benefits it has been shown to provide in lowering intraocular pressure. Patients with glaucoma have experienced benefits from this treatment, but it is significant for anyone who wants to switch or add this medication to make note and understand all possible side effects, which is no different for any medication.

            The ability of marijuana to lower the intraocular pressure of patients with glaucoma does give a positive reflection of marijuana being the best treatment. Traditional forms of medicine have the same goals in reducing this pressure, but have not always worked with certain people and produced unacceptable side effects. There is, of course, criticism accompanied with whether or not marijuana is even a valid substance to treat glaucoma, but facts speak for themselves. Marijuana has rarely not helped lower the eye pressure in patients’ and there are not long term side effects, like those associated with other traditional forms of treatment. Both the stance in favor of the use of medical marijuana to treat patients with glaucoma and the opposing point of view are both backed up by credible statistics and information, but the effectiveness cannabis has seen in lowering eye pressure, when blood pressure is not lowered, gives credibility to why glaucoma patients are choosing this treatment. If everywhere in the United States legalized the use of medical marijuana, the quality of life of patients with glaucoma would greatly increase.
 
 
Works Cited
Glaucoma Research Foundation. “Care and Treatment.” “Should You Be Smoking Marijuana To Treat Your Glaucoma?” <http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/should-you-be-smoking-marijuana-to-treat-your-glaucoma-1.php>.
Glaucoma Research Foundation. “Medication Guide.” <http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/medication-guide.php>.
Hoskins Center for Quality Eye Care, AAO Complementary Therapy Task Force. The Ophthalmic News and Education Network. “Marijuana in the Treatment of Glaucoma CTA-2013.” <http://one.aao.org/complimentary-therapy-assessment/marijuana-in-treatment-of-glaucoma-cta--may-2003>.
Pain Management of America. “Medical Marijuana and Glaucoma Treatment, Symptoms.” <http://www.medicalmarijuana.net/uses-and-treatments/glaucoma/>.
Glaucoma Research Foundation. “Medication Guide.” <http://www.glaucoma.org/treatment/medication-guide.php>.
 
 

 

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Does Marijuana Have the Ability to Fight Leukemia?

Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project 2: Blog 3

6 April 2014
Blog Three: Does  Marijuana Have the Ability to Fight Leukemia?
            The medicinal use of marijuana has been showed to supply many benefits to people suffering through a variety of different illnesses or diseases. Cancer patients have typically turned to marijuana as a way to relive some of the cancer-related pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy. The properties of cannabis not only provide extreme relief to these patients, but is beginning to gain popularity of how marijuana actually fights the disease of certain forms of cancer, one specific type being leukemia. Leukemia is a type of cancer that effects the blood or bone marrow, most often white blood cells, which are in the immune system and play a key role in defending the body from infections. The widespread medical properties of marijuana that influences its ability to fight leukemia has been attributed to the endocannabinoid system, which is the body’s natural cannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors have been found in most parts of the body, including where white blood cells are, which has given researchers evidence of marijuana’s role in treating leukemia. Chemotherapy is a method of treatment for a variety of different cancers, including leukemia. This therapy, however, becomes less effective when the disease spreads. Different studies have shown the positive effect THC, the element of cannabis that gives the person the high, has to fight cancer in human leukemia cell lines (Truth on Pot 1).  The ability of marijuana to fight leukemia is reflected through different factual evidence and case studies reflecting progress the treatment of medical marijuana has made for patients. The benefit associated with marijuana and how it has shown to be able to fight such drastic forms of cancer, like leukemia, gives light to its overall effectiveness as a valid medicine.  
            Cannabis, also known as marijuana, produces a resin containing compounds called cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are active chemicals found in marijuana that create drug-like effects throughout the body. This specific property of marijuana was viewed as a very influential factor in fighting leukemia, as well. One of the earliest studies used to document the effect of marijuana in fighting leukemia was published in 2002 by a team of researchers in Virginia. This study showed how THC, along with cannabinoids, was effective in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a variety of human leukemia and lymphoma cell lines (Truth on Pot 1). The ability of medical properties found in marijuana to actually have an impact in killing these dangerous human cell lines provides some credibility for the overall analysis of whether or not marijuana can be considered a valid treatment. In addition to the ability cannabis has in fighting dangerous forms of cancer, like leukemia, the substance can bring other benefits to patients going through chemotherapy. If the disease has not spread, people with leukemia will most likely be put through chemotherapy, which comes along with a few side effects. One of the main effects people notice from going through the process of chemotherapy is nausea or vomiting, resulting most times with a loss of appetite (Common Chemo Side Effects 1). Marijuana has different properties that can help to alleviate these problems cancer patients have from therapy. According to a new study, the active ingredient in marijuana, called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), increases the appetite and improves the taste of food with advanced cancer patients. Statistical evidence show 73 percent of cancer patients who took THC pills every day for 18 days, which is the ingredient in cannabis that produces the high, reported an increased appreciation for food (Chan, Amanda). The main focus of discussion, however, is the properties and effects associated with marijuana that give it the ability to fight leukemia. One specific study published in 2005 by researches in the U.K showed that THC can begin to provide effects as early as six hours after administration as well as induce death in all three leukemia cell lines that were studied. This study gives light to the different mechanisms of marijuana to fight the cancer, showing how the effects of THC are independent from cannabinoid receptors (Truth on Pot 1). These specific studies give light to only a couple different pieces of credible evidence that exemplifies the ability marijuana has in fighting and treating leukemia.  
            Marijuana has other properties besides THC and cannabinoids that have a large impact on its ability to fight leukemia. Researchers have investigated the CBD property of cannabis, which is a non-psychoactive compound. Evidence shows in a study published in 2006 that CBD was able to kill cancer cells in both human leukemia cell and animal models (Truth on Pot 1). This particular study gives more evidence and knowledge of properties found in marijuana that have been able to kill leukemia cells. Dr. Wai Liu, an oncologist at St. George’s University of London conducted a study with 6 different non-psychoactive compounds of marijuana. These compounds are the properties of marijuana that do not cause the “high” associated with the THC ingredient. During this study, the cannabinoids seen displayed a “diverse range of therapeutic qualities” that “target and switch off” pathways that allow cancers to grow, Liu told U.S. News and World Report (Ferner, Matt). The conclusion of this study show the variety of benefits different compounds of marijuana have in not only be able to kill leukemia cells, but prevents the disease to continue to grow in certain areas. A variety of studies conducted to research the impact compounds and properties of marijuana play in its ability to fight leukemia gives more credibility to the use of cannabis as a valid treatment for patients suffering through this type of cancer.
Being told you have leukemia, or any type of cancer, would be a scary moment for anyone. The different forms of treatment associated with any type of cancer has a strong possibility of having side effects. Chemotherapy, Radiation, and other forms of Drug therapy can have negative physical effects associated, some dealing with heart problems or an impaired immune system. The problems associated with traditional forms of therapy for cancer provides more evidence to why marijuana is a better alternative. Despite the benefits marijuana has in treating patients with leukemia; like any other substance, have side effects that can be viewed as negative. When smoking marijuana, there is a possibility of lungs becoming irritant and respiratory infections when it is smoked frequently. Another negative effect marijuana can possibly have is how it can potentially slow down brain development (Drug Facts 1). These side effects, although are not good, do not stand up to the different physical problems associated with other traditional forms of treatment. Marijuana may have the ability to kill off leukemia cells by itself, but certain studies show an even more positive effect with the combination of both chemotherapy and medical marijuana to benefit these patients. A study published in 2008 found that THC could sensitize leukemia cells to chemotherapy agents, leading to higher rates of cell death than any treatment could achieve on its own (Truth on Pot 1). This study makes a proposal to the combination of both marijuana and the use of a traditional treatment, which can have the most impact in killing dangerous cells. The feature of marijuana to provide relief to the pain of chemotherapy and other treatments used on cancer patient can provide a better understanding of why this combination of treatments could actually supply the most benefits. Although both marijuana and traditional forms of medicine and marijuana do have side effects, the properties of marijuana that give it the ability to fight leukemia should not be taken discounted. The use of marijuana to treat this form of cancer has shown to make an overall large impact and the combination of both this substance and other traditional forms appear to be even better.  
The different chemical properties found in marijuana give proof of the impact they have in fighting leukemia. With the large amount of people dying from leukemia each year, there has to be experiments made to extend the possibility of using alternative treatments for this type of cancer. The effects of cannabis, through the breakdown of its compounds, prove to not only benefit cancer patients in general that are going through the harsh treatment of chemotherapy, but also have showed to actually fight the disease itself. The use of medical marijuana for patients with leukemia have been proven valid through case studies, along with the analysis of the drug’s properties. The legalization of marijuana for medical reasons would give more patients with leukemia the opportunity to gain the benefits of this treatment.




Works Cited

Chan, Amanda. Live Science. “Marijuana’s Active Ingredient Improves Cancer Patients’ Appetites.” 23 February 2011. <http://www.livescience.com/12956-marijuana-ingredient-improves-appetite-cancer-patients.html>.

Ferner, Matt. Huffington Post. “Marijuana Compounds Can Kill Some Cancer Cells: Study.” 25 October 2013. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/25/marijuana-cancer_n_4158865.html>.

National Institute of Drug Abuse. Drug Facts: Marijuana. January 2014. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana>.

Truth on Pot. “Can Medical Marijuana Fight Leukemia?” 28 April 2013.

<http://www.truthonpot.com/2013/04/28/can-medical-marijuana-fight-leukemia/>.

 
 

Could the tax and gross revenue from marijuana sales pull the United States out of debt if all states took the same initiative in legalizing the use of cannabis for recreational purposes?

Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project 2: Blog 2

5 April 2014


Blog Two: Could the tax and gross revenue from marijuana sales pull the United States out of debt if all states took the same initiative in legalizing the use of cannabis for recreational purposes?

            The discussion of whether or not to legalize the recreational use of marijuana has been a question among many states in America. Both the tax and gross revenue gained from marijuana stores in Colorado raises questions on what could happen for the economy of the country if every state decided to put marijuana through legislation. Giving citizens the freedom to buy marijuana from stores and legally allowing them to smoke (in a private setting) has fired up a large amount of debate since Colorado passed Amendment 64, becoming the first U.S. state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for people of at least 21 years of age. The first official marijuana stores opened on January 1, 2014 in Denver, Colorado and business began immediately began to boom (Martinez, Michael). According to state revenue officials, the state of Colorado produces $2 million in tax revenue in only the month of January from its 59 recreational businesses (Messamore, W.E.). There recreational use of marijuana may be rejected by almost half of the United States, but there is no sustainable argument that can be made to deny the enormous increase in both tax and gross revenue that marijuana stores throughout Colorado have produced. The income of each marijuana business along with tax revenues could play a large role in helping the United States out of its debt, which is currently over $17 billion. The initiative taken by Colorado to legalize marijuana should be viewed as examples to other states, hopefully showing them the impact both the tax and gross revenue gained by marijuana businesses has already had and how every state doing the same thing could get the United States out of the debt crisis and improve overall economic performance.  

            When analyzing the overall economic advantages marijuana can provide, it is important to draw evidence from states that have already gone through the legalization process and who have had positive results. Colorado, for instance, produced $2 million tax revenue along with $12 gross revenue from the marijuana business across the state. Along with the large amount of revenue seen from marijuana sales, the legalization of this industry impacted a large amount of people from different parts of the United States to begin coming to Colorado in search of work, dubbed as Colorado’s “green rush” (Messamore, W.E.). The continuing increase of marijuana sales in Colorado gives an expectation of $1 billion in sales according to a budget proposal put forth by Governor John W. Hicklooper for next fiscal year. With the large amount of revenue gained from the sale of marijuana, Colorado has proposed to use $40 million in revenue to fund the construction of new schools and the other revenue put towards funding programs in health care, substance-abuse and public health (Poltonowicz, John). This is a perfect example of the different benefits the sale of marijuana can have for society in general. Using the revenue produced from marijuana stores to improve places for citizens makes light on the amount of progress that could be made in other aspects of society if all states decided to legalize marijuana.  Recent studies show how U.S. consumers of marijuana number from 25 to 60 million, depending on how truthful each person was in the survey. These statistics also show how the total spending on marijuana may add up to $45 billion to $110 billion a year (Easton, Stephen). This evidence gives an idea for the amount of revenue the United States could have if each state allowed marijuana to be recreationally sold. The large increases in revenue gained by two states in such a short period of time reflects the possibility of the United States getting out of debt and drastically improving the economy if every state decided to take the same initiative.

            The legalization of marijuana by every state would provide economic advantages and could potentially get the United States out of debt, but there are criticisms presented with any argument. The legal ability for people to recreationally use marijuana does come with the possibility of abuse. Of course, there has to be disadvantages if the drastic increase of revenue in both Colorado and Washington did not immediately influence every state to legalize the substance. Critics from CNBC who are against legalizing marijuana refer to the substance as the most commonly abused illegal drug in the United States and around the world. They also discuss the support for legalizing marijuana as failing to recognize the cost resulting from marijuana. One specific statistic putting marijuana use in a negative point of view from the CNBC Business section is how the criminal justice system identified it as an identified drug of abuse for 57 percent of individuals referred to treatment (Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana). This information does give elements of abuse that can happen from people being able to smoke. The negative view of marijuana should be viewed next to a substance that is legal and more dangerous. The abuse seen with alcohol, although it is legal for people of the age 21 or older, can provide an argument for why marijuana is not legal. Marijuana not only has less negative effects than alcohol but the intake of too much alcohol can result in death, when marijuana does not cause fatalities. Although there is factual information given with why certain people have a negative point of view of the use of marijuana, but it is important to consider the contradiction of why marijuana is not legal when there is less of side effects and danger associated with it. giving reason for why marijuana should not be legalized, it overall provides less negative effects than those of alcohol. The small negative possibilities associated with marijuana should not be a valid reason to discount the increase in both revenue and economic activity the sales of the product have had in both the states that recreationally legalized it a short time ago.

            The legalization of marijuana has provided a large amount of benefits dealing with the economy. The different evidence seen with selling marijuana has made for an overall increase in revenue while accompanied with few disadvantages. The disadvantages or negative view of marijuana has held states back from going through the process of making the substance legal. States should not discount the negative effects marijuana can have or the possibility of it being abused, but there needs to be recognition of the abuse that comes along with alcohol and how it has showed to have a more negative effects than cannabis. The rest of the country needs to pay close attention to both Colorado and Washington and the economic increases associated with the sale of marijuana. If the United States as a whole was to actually analyze the impact marijuana could have on the debt situation and how it could greatly improve the country’s economy, more states would take the initiative to legalize marijuana and the American society could be changed forever.

Works Cited

CNBC. Business. “Why We Should Not Legalize Marijuana.” 20 April 2010. <http://www.cnbc.com/id/36267223>.

Easton, Stephen. Bloomberg BusinessWeek. “Legalize Marijuana for Tax Revenue.” “PRO: Fund crime-or taxes?” <http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2010/03/legalize_marijuana_for_tax_revenue.html>.

IVN. “Colorado Recreational Marijuana Tax Revenue Hits $2 M in First Month.” <http://ivn.us/2014/03/15/colorado-recreational-marijuana-tax-revenue-hits-2m-first-month/>.

Martinez, Michael. CNN U.S. “10 things to know about nation’s first recreational marijuana shops in Colorado.” 1 January 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/28/us/10-things-colorado-recreational-marijuana/>.

Poltonowicz, John. Liberty Voice. “Marijuana Sales in Colorado to Reach $1 Billion. 9 March 2014. <http://guardianlv.com/2014/03/marijuana-sales-in-colorado-to-reach-1-billion/>.

 

Does Medical Marijuana Effectively Relieve the Pain and Have Less Side Effects Than Traditional Medication Used to Treat Chronic Pain?

 





Andrew Frawley

Professor Dempsey

ENGL 1200-20

Project Two: Blog 1

1 April 2014

Blog One: Does Medical Marijuana Effectively Relieve the Pain and Have Less Side Effects Than Traditional Medication Used to Treat Chronic Pain?

            The use of marijuana has shown to be a great alternative medication for the treatment of chronic pain in patients. Marijuana is not only able to supply a large amount of relief to the severe pain associated with chronic pain syndrome, but has helped improve their overall quality of living (Chronic Pain Treatment and Management with Medical Marijuana). In the analysis of whether or not marijuana is the most effective medication for the treating chronic pain, the first step is comparing this it to other traditional forms of medications already in use around the United States. A more traditional method of medication is the use of opioids, which can have negative long-term effects and has shown to not adequately provide complete relief to the pain (Chronic Pain Treatment and Management with Medical Marijuana). Negative effects associated with these medications gives credibility for the overall benefits patients are gaining from switching to marijuana.

In many cases, marijuana is claimed to relieve more pain than other medications and have less side effects. In recent years, the scientific community has increased their activity in the area of cannabinoids for pain and other medical conditions. Cannabinoids, which are compounds found in cannabis, have analgesic properties that provide a large amount of relief to the pain, while other medicines have not been able to do the same. Along with how beneficial marijuana is in being able to providing relief to the pain, it is also seen as a very effective treatment for chronic neuropathic (nerve pain), one of the most mysterious types of chronic pain. In 2006, medical marijuana was named the most promising treatment for these nerve pains by a group of elite pain researchers convened at a MedPanel summit (Chronic Pain Treatment and Management with Medical Marijuana 1). Marijuana is shown to provide more relief and treatment to people experiencing chronic neuropathic than a traditional medication would, due to how challenging it can be to treat. Statistical evidence and factual information reveals Marijuana to be more beneficial for patients with chronic pain than any other medication, with the ability of cannabis to relieve more pain and decrease the level of opioids in patients originally receiving these treatments before switching to marijuana.

 

                        Medical marijuana has helped to provide a better alternative medication for people with either HIV or cancer that are struggling with chronic pain on a daily basis. A couple common medications used to treat patients with chronic pain are corticosteroids, or pain controlling substances that do not relieve pain in all cases, and opioids, or narcotic drugs that contain codeine and morphine, and could be life-threatening when used innapropiately (Jacques, Erica 1). These medications not only are more ineffective in treating pain compared to marijuana, but also have more serious side effects. Marijuana is still not flawless and does have side effects, like any other medication. One side effect being the irritancy marijuana smoke is to the lungs. People who frequently smoke marijuana experience many of the same respiratory problems as people who smoke tobacco, such as daily cough and phlegm production, more frequent chest illness, and a higher risk of lung infections (Drug Facts 1). These effects smoking cannabis can have on a person’s lungs are not to be discounted, but there are other ways to administer THC, such as tea or THC infused cookies or brownies that can help prevent the possibility of these respiratory problems occurring. Another criticism associated with the idea of marijuana as a medicine is represented by the definition the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has of a “medication,” which is a substance that must have well-defined and measurable ingredients that are consistent from one unit to the next to be considered a legitimate medicine. The marijuana plant has different chemicals that may vary the effects it has from plant to plant and this inconsistency of effectiveness goes against what the FDA considers an actual medicine (Drug Facts 1). There may be a few undesirable aspects connected to the use of marijuana, but the cannabinoids make up for these with the medical benefits provided and ability of the medicine to treat the challenging case of chronic neuropathic. Other traditional painkillers used alone, such as NSAIDs, are often ineffective at treating this type of pain; although the combination of marijuana and this medication have shown to be beneficial (Jacques, Erica 1). The use of marijuana to treat chronic pain has proved to be the best medicine for relieving this high level of pain. This is not to say patients should not gain the knowledge of side effects and possible problems from using marijuana before beginning to use medical marijuana.

            Marijuana has fueled a great deal of debate around the United States, but the benefits it has for people with chronic pain gives positive light to its use as a valid treatment. The use of traditional medications for chronic pain often times contains opioids that can be ineffective and has more side effects than marijuana. The overall advantages marijuana has for these patients gives the herb a different spotlight than just picturing the average stoner sitting around and rolling joints all day. Attaining a prescription for marijuana does require a great deal of responsibility, however. There are issues that can be associated with constantly smoking cannabis and should be understood by the patient before agreeing to the treatment. Possible abuse of the substance does raise questions, but with responsibility and attentiveness to the physician’s directions, marijuana is the best medication to help patients with chronic pain to live a better and more pain-free life.



Works Cited

Harborside Health Center. “Chronic Pain & Medical Cannabis.” <http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/chronic-pain-11/alternative-treatments>.

Jacques, Erica. “Chronic Nerve Pain Treatment.” 4 November 2013. <http://pain.about.com/od/treatment/a/treating_nerve_pain.htm>.

Pain Management of America. “Chronic Pain Treatment and Management with Medical Marijuana.” <http://www.medicalmarijuana.net/uses-and-treatments/chronic-pain/>.

The National Institute of Drug Abuse. “Drug Facts: Marijuana.” January 2014. <http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana>.