Smoked Marijuana has not been demonstrated by science to be a safe and
effective medicine, and the FDA has neither approved nor received a marketing
application for a drug product that contains marijuana.
This nation has long relied on a science-based review and approval process
for medical products, to protect patients and promote public health by ensuring
that medical products are safe and effective. The FDA process requires that
adequate scientific studies be performed to provide a rational basis for
concluding that the benefits of a medical product outweigh its risks.
It is well documented by research that marijuana is comprised of more than
400 constituent chemicals, some of which can cause cancer and many of which
affect brain functioning, including perception, learning, memory, emotions, and
motor coordination.
A synthetic form of a psychoactive component of marijuana,
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has already been reviewed and approved by FDA. This
form of THC is available for use in a pill, and is currently being prescribed.
Because some individuals say that the pill form of THC is inadequate, the FDA
has encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to develop other techniques for
administering THC, for example, by patch, suppository, or inhaler. These
techniques may make it easier for individuals to realize the therapeutic
benefits of THC under controlled and prescribed conditions.
In addition to THC, there are many other FDA-approved medicines that are safe
and effective for the control of nausea and the stimulation of appetite.
Truly compassionate medicine must be based on science, and drugs should be
monitored and prescribed by physicians and other health professionals. Moreover,
existing medicines (including THC) can meet the needs of patients covered by the
various medical marijuana initiatives.
Abandoning the science-based FDA process is irresponsible. We must require
the demonstration of the safety and efficacy of proposed medicines before they
are approved for use. The consequence of shortcutting this established process
is prematurely available, inadequately tested medicines that could cause
unnecessary harm. That wouldn't be compassionate at all.
