3 Out Of 4 Doctors Would Prescribe Mmj To Patients: Study

[1lluminated1]

Three out of four doctors would prescribe medical marijuana to patients: Study
 

Saturday, June 15, 2013 by: J. D. Heyes

(NaturalNews) New York City Mayor Michael "Nanny" Bloomberg thinks medical marijuana is a hoax, but as far as I know he's never been to medical school, which is obvious based on the results of a new survey that found more than three-quarters of physicians would prescribe it to their patients if they could.

The results of the study, which were published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that 76 percent of physicians polled would prescribe pot to patients who were experiencing pain from cancer.

According to the Journal, a non-scientific survey held in "Clinical Decisions, an interactive feature in which experts discuss a controversial topic and readers vote and post comments," received 1,466 votes from 56 states and provinces in the U.S. and the Americas, as well as 72 countries.

Participants were presented with the case of a 68-year-old woman named Marilyn who had been experiencing symptoms from metastatic breast cancer. Forum participants were asked to vote on whether physicians should prescribe medical marijuana to help her ease her symptoms. They were also given a pair of opinion pieces that were written for doctors arguing for and against the use of medical marijuana.

 

'What's the downside?'

 

In their report researchers said the results showed that "physicians in favor of medicinal marijuana often focused on [their] responsibility as caregivers to alleviate suffering." Continuing, they noted, "Many pointed out the known dangers of prescription narcotics, supported patient choice, or described personal experience with patients who benefited from the use of marijuana."

Opponents of the use of marijuana for medical/pain relief symptoms, however, said they have not seen enough evidence to support its effectiveness. Also, they raised some concerns about dosages and potential side effects.

"I think there's some context that needs to be considered," said Dr. Bradley Flansbaum, one physician who said he'd prescribe marijuana to the theoretical patient, in an interview with HealthDay.

"This was a woman with stage 4 cancer who wasn't responding to [anti-nausea medications]," he said. "I'm not saying let's legalize marijuana, but this is a woman at the end of her life, so what's the downside, given that there might be a benefit. In a different situation, medical marijuana might not be so well embraced."

According to researchers, the number of physicians supporting medical marijuana use "surprised" them:

We were surprised by the outcome of polling and comments, with 76 percent of all votes in favor of the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes - even though marijuana use is illegal in most countries. ... Given that North America represents only a minority of the general online readership of the Journal, this skew in voting suggests that the subject of this particular Clinical Decisions stirs more passion among readers from North America than among those residing elsewhere.

The researchers noted that support for medical marijuana use was lowest in Utah (1 percent of 76 voters) and highest in Pennsylvania (96 percent of 107 voters).

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/040790_medical_marijuana_prohibition_plant_medicine.html#ixzz2WQtXLjMc

 

Edited June 17, 2013 by 1lluminated1

[t-pain]

so many many stories of doctors here rejecting patients. its hard to believe.

75% of doctors who read the journal. 75% of doctors who read the journal and respond to polls.

were the people voting all doctors? practicing? retired? med students? oh it was online? did regular people get to vote?

 

 

CO and WA legalizing marijuana has helped a lot. in many ways that are hard to measure.

for instance, more patients have been telling their doctors about thier use, after it was legalized in two states.

more family members and friends have been discussing it with a favorable opinion after it was legalized.

people have taken 'the wool from over their eyes' off after seeing how harmless it really is, due to legalization + polls.

[t-pain]

its fun who wrote the 'do not recommend marijuana' in that journal poll!

 

 

Option 2
Recommend against the Medicinal Use of Marijuana

Gary M. Reisfield, M.D., Robert L. DuPont, M.D.

 

from wikipedia:

Robert L. DuPont, M.D. (born March 25, 1936 in Toledo, Ohio) is a national leader in marijuana prohibition, drug policy and treatment. 

[1lluminated1]

so many many stories of doctors here rejecting patients. its hard to believe.

75% of doctors who read the journal. 75% of doctors who read the journal and respond to polls.

were the people voting all doctors? practicing? retired? med students? oh it was online? did regular people get to vote?

 

 

I know T-pain.  Not a very scientific poll but I think more and more doctors are starting to realize marijuana is beneficial for, at the very least, palliative care.

[trix]

Doesn't matter if they think its has benefits.. My Dr. of 10 years said how much improvement was made from its use.. wrote my judge a note saying so..

Still refused me as a PT due to it being in my system. its ilegal

[Dr. Bob]

This is a rather self serving poll from a small selection of doctors (it is not a standard journal that is widely read).  My experience speaking to physicians is that most are not opposed, they are just not allowed to and unwilling to make waves in their organization to force a change in the policy.

 

Dr. Bob

[GregS]

Three out of four men who have tried camels prefer women.

Edited June 20, 2013 by GregS