The Medicinal Marijuana Debate |
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April 28, 2005
by Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@hqpublications.com
Education Factor Columnist
The use of marijuana for medicinal purposes continues to be a controversial topic in the United States. As a healthcare professional or someone who's interested in entering the field of healthcare administration, you'll want to understand both sides of this heated drug policy debate.
Where the Debate Began
In 1970, the Controlled Substances Act classified marijuana - also known as cannabis - as a Schedule 1 Drug, designating it as a substance with a high potential for abuse and no legitimate medical use. Scientific studies later carried out by the Institute of Medicine in the 1990s introduced doubt into these claims, pointing to new evidence that suggests marijuana can be effective in treating symptoms and alleviating chronic pain often associated with AIDS, cancer, and movement disorders.
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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, a strong opponent of the use of medicinal marijuana, claims that the science to support the safe use of cannabis is too weak to justify its legalization. Much of the DEA's anti-medical marijuana stance stems from health risks associated with smoking marijuana several times a week. These risks include exposure to cancer-causing chemicals, increased risk of heart attack, weakened immune system function, and dependency. The DEA asserts that these risks outweigh any potential health benefits that a patient might reap in smoking marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Social factors also influence the medicinal marijuana debate. While many lobbying groups work to promote greater acceptance of the use of medicinal marijuana among members of the public and Congress, there is still a good deal of stigma associated with smoking marijuana, even for the purpose of relieving chronic pain.
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Healthcare Administration Degree Programs
A health administration degree program can equip you with the skills needed to examine tough questions such as this one that face today's health administration professionals. A health administration degree program will not only deal with thorny legal and philosophical issues, it will also arm you with practical skills needed to manage a healthcare facility.
Courses in a health administration degree program may cover topics such as human resources management, financial management, public administration, and marketing for health administration professionals.
About the Author
Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia who regularly writes on topics related to career development and education.
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