Pharmacy Times Article On Marijuana Use As Treatment For Glaucoma

[JohnB RPh]

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/issue/pharmacy/2010/May2010/MedMarijuanaGlaucoma-0510

 

And a positive editorial response for it's overall use:

 

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/issue/pharmacy/2010/May2010/PubLetter-0510

 

Another article titled "A Pharmacists Guide to Medical Marijuana", which houses a few tidbits of interests from a pharmacists perspective on the use of MM:

 

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/hot-topics/articles/MedicalMarijuana

[JohnB RPh]

Thank you, AK. From my own perspective, I believe most pharmacists are openminded on the legitimate use and efficacy of MM as a viable treatment for an assortment of ailments. We see on a daily basis the devastation caused by heavy narcotic prescription regimens prescribed by physicians, which we believe is a spiraling black hole into further addiction and dependence upon the whims of the physician and big pharma to further tie the patient to his practice and their medication. I liken it to the sharecropper and the company store.

 

I know many pharmacists share my view that physicians and the U.S. government are the largest drug cartel in the world, with the largest profit margin. In that same first link, the top 200 drugs dispensed in the United States in 2009 were listed. Hydrocodone products were the number one and number 3 most dispensed, with Oxycontin in the top 20 of brand name drugs, with sales in the billions of dollars, which in my opinion is a sad state of medicine. There are very few healers out there anymore, just prescribers.

 

Unfortunately, most pharmacists are loath to air their views and participate in MM programs for fear of repurcussions from our employers and state regulatory boards.

 

I've always found it laughable the statements I always see from medical professionals and governing bodies claiming there are no legitimate or viable studies proving MM is effective for any type of medcial treatment, when the scheduling status of marijuana is such that the government makes it impossible for any such studies to be performed.

[christinax4]

My perspective, after working in healthcare myself, before meeting my husband and being introduced to medical marijuana as a treatment versus many of the other medications you speak of... I've seen many patients in my healthcare facility who I still think of. Some of them would really be better off with medical marijuana versus some of the drugs they are taking. Now I work with my husband and I feel good about what we do. We think it's important to not just treat patients, but to empower them with knowledge and tools to take control of their own medical outcomes. He believes medicine is about education, information, and compassion. The physician’s role is to facilitate.

 

 

i worked in ophthalmology for 25 years. after going to Academy meetings, which are held annually, and seeing the parties, dinners, humongous bar tabs, luncheons, and local entertainment (including providing escorts to physicians for their out-of-town stay) that are funded by drug companies at both the academy meetings and throughout the year, it is difficult to imagine these same dr's sticking up for medical marijuana. they will lose all their perks if the drug companies dont continue to make bigger and bigger profits. Marijuana = death to the pharmaceutical industry.

[greenbuddha]

I've been in the mental health field for over twenty five years..

 

You name it... I've either heard or seen it...

 

mental / emotional issues as WELL as substance abuse / chemical dependency.

 

I've seen the damage that both prescribed drugs AND illegal 'hard drugs' can cause...

 

and I'd MUCH rather see people using a natural medication like MMJ / cannabis ANYTIME over the the use of 'opioid drugs' pushed by the large drug company / cartels.

 

My experience is that there are FAR fewer physical AND emotional complications with the use of a medication like MMJ / cannabis.

 

We have to CONTINUE to educate the public WHERE and WHEN we can to the POSITIVE uses of MMJ / cannabis.

 

Our work is cut out for us... but it CAN and IS being done.

 

Thanks to ALL of our efforts.

 

STAY the COURSE!

[Kevin]

Very nice find.

[phaquetoo]

I've been in the mental health field for over twenty five years..

 

You name it... I've either heard or seen it...

 

mental / emotional issues as WELL as substance abuse / chemical dependency.

 

I've seen the damage that both prescribed drugs AND illegal 'hard drugs' can cause...

 

and I'd MUCH rather see people using a natural medication like MMJ / cannabis ANYTIME over the the use of 'opioid drugs' pushed by the large drug company / cartels.

 

My experience is that there are FAR fewer physical AND emotional complications with the use of a medication like MMJ / cannabis.

 

We have to CONTINUE to educate the public WHERE and WHEN we can to the POSITIVE uses of MMJ / cannabis.

 

Our work is cut out for us... but it CAN and IS being done.

 

Thanks to ALL of our efforts.

 

STAY the COURSE!

 

 

hey /g.b do I know you? I think you remnd me of a conslor I met at impact weekend! and also steered me to this site! your name bob?

Peace

Jim

[phaquetoo]

Interesting point about patients working with their pharmacist instead of a grower to obtain their medicine. It is certainly more suitable for a large number of patients. Is there any way to make this access route available without changing the law?

 

I would think we would need to put more focus on concentrates (tinctures and oils rather than herb or hash) via this route to minimize smoking and make dosing more precise. Would pharmacists take on at least some minimal education on cannabis strains or would the doctor be responsible for prescribing the strain? Would pharmacists and doctors feel comfortable with self-titration of dose and alter the prescription accordingly or would they need more control?

 

We are helping a lot of people now, but this access route would allow us to help lots more. Can we do it before big pharma gets involved?

 

 

yea theres a way! you can call me pharmicists Jim! or Phaq you choose! and I will take good care of you.

[greenbuddha]

hey /g.b do I know you? I think you remnd me of a conslor I met at impact weekend! and also steered me to this site! your name bob?

Peace

Jim

 

 

Phaque, Don't think it was me, man.

 

Must have been some other 'good looking, well informed, lovable guy' (smiles).

 

We haven't met yet... but things aren't over yet either.

 

Hope you're doin' well, man.