Need ONE Response Per Each Discussion Total 6 Responses. Attached Are The Discussions And Rubric Please Follow Them. Posts Will Be A Minimum Of 100 Words, APA Format.One Reference Per Each Discussion

Dalia L. Salgado week# 13

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          Cannabis is one of the most widespread recreational drugs in the world. According to recent data, approximately 178 million of people (aged 15 to 64) used this drug at least once in 2012. This drug is considered illegal in most of the countries and was included as a controlled drug in the United Nations in 1961. However, during the past two decades cannabis has been used as a medical drug to treat conditions such as chronic pain, spasticity, to control chemotherapy side effects such as nausea and vomiting, stimulate weight gain and improve appetite in patients suffering from cancer (Whiting, Wolff, Deshpande, Di Nisio, Duffy, Hernandez, Keurentjes, Lang, Misso, Ryder, Schmidlkofer, Westwood & Kleijnen, 2015).

            The findings of a qualitative study conducted by Rhodes ad colleagues (2016) revealed that some clinicians, Institutional Review Board (IRB) members from bioethics field and potential research participants (e.g., HIV patients) agreed that clinical research on therapeutic potential of controlled substances (e.g., Cannabis) is ethically required. HIV clinicians appreciate the needs of new therapies, including controlled substances to treat pain among HIV population and discussed potential obstacles to their use. On the other hand, IRB members have a distinctive perspective on this subject. For instance, clinicians agreed that current pain medications are lacking of effectiveness, and marijuana could manage the pain than other drugs are unable to ameliorate. Contrariwise, IRB members stated risks such as physical harm or other physical risks are among the most common barriers to human subject research concerning the use of controlled substances, particularly the marijuana (Rhodes, Andreae, Bourgiose, Indyk, Rothes & Sacks, 2016).

            A meta-analysis conducted by Whiting and colleagues (2019) revealed that there was moderate-quality evidence supporting the use medical cannabis to treat pain and spasticity. To conduct this study, the authors reviewed 28 databases from inception in 2015. The main outcomes and measures assessed included activities of daily living, quality of life, impression of change, and benefits and adverse events. After a comprehensive analysis of the data, it was concluded that in spite of the pain improvement associated with the use of medical cannabis, there was low-quality evidence that cannabis was associated with improvement in vomiting and nausea (due to chemotherapy) among patients with cancer, weight gain in HIV, sleep disorders (Whiting et al, 2019).

            In addition, it has been discussed that legalizing the use of these types of substances has a negative impact on Law Enforcement. Nowadays, multiple Federal laws still outlaw the use of marijuana regardless of the purpose, challenging the states laws which allow the use of medical cannabis (Rhodes et al, 2016).

            Nevertheless, some professionals underline that the legalization of medical cannabis may benefit the pharmaceutical and medical community. According to many experts, having marihuana as a medical disposal may allow clinicians to be better equipped to handle the growing medical needs in United States. Some experts underscore that this particular substance has less side effects, and fills niche functions which current drugs lack. Some states that the use of medical cannabis could be more cost effective than existing pharmaceutical options. Nevertheless, this subject continues to be controversial; therefore patients need to understand it and clinicians must be equipped to answer all the possible and pertinent questions asked by the patients (Rhodes et al, 2016)Bottom of Form

Manuel Cifuentes

Health Care Policy

Utilization of cannabis for medicinal purposes has produced lots of attention in the national and worldwide level. There are plenty of controversies revolving around ethical, legal along with other implications useful of marijuana. Adverse health effects in addition to deaths associated with cannabis are a few of complex the process of cannabis. Cannabis is presently acknowledged as schedule I controlled drugs. It features a high potential of abuse, not recognized for medicinal treatment within the U.S and doesn't have recognized safety data for this use within treatment under medical supervision (Andrews, 2018). 

Among the stakeholders opposing cannabis is what the law states enforcement agencies address as alternative medicine. In certain states, it is legal to make use of cannabis, however the police officer’s attitude hasn't altered regarding using cannabis. Another stakeholder opposing cannabis may be the big pharmaceutical companies. Such companies are recognized to run huge operations of conventional medications and therefore have been in the forefront of opposing the therapeutic advantages of cannabis (Andrews, 2018). Lastly is private prisons which believe that legalization of marijuana can result in less convicts and therefore this can reduce their business (Andrews, 2018). Stakeholders who're meant for cannabis use for medicinal purposes include citizens and patients. Legalization for medicinal use generally affects the citizens. There are a number of applications that cannabis continues to be stated to possess for various illnesses. Rather of utilizing prescriptions that may have negative effects, patients and citizens may use cannabis. Others in support include medical and pharmaceutical communities. These will probably benefit in handling the continuously growing medical needs and offering more choices to the patients.

A rise in the general public debate and research within the medicinal characteristics and results of marijuana has been noted in recent years. The majority of the research on using cannabis for medicinal purposes conclude having a demand further numerous studies (De Vries & Eco-friendly, 2012). Utilization of cannabis in oncology is principally centered on signs and symptoms management for example vomiting and nausea that is connected with chemotherapy (De Vries & Eco-friendly, 2012). With all this cheap there is growing proof of cannabis potential advantage of slowing neurodegenerative disorders, cannabis use has considerably grown.

Reports implies that there is elevated utilization of cannabinoids in management of neurodegenerative illnesses along with other existence-restricting conditions. There's also elevated utilization of cannabis use for therapeutic advantages of illegal consumptions (De Vries & Eco-friendly, 2012). With elevated legalization and approval for medicinal use, you will see prevalent utilization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Later on, more policies is going to be produced to manage cannabis medical use in addition to more states will legalize using cannabis. Nurses at some things is going to be promoting to be used of cannabis in patients.

Muller Sanon

Health Care Policy

            Newer research concerning the use and advantages of cannabis and it is therapeutic effects for a number of medical disorders has permitted more and more people to consider its use and it has been broadly recognized (Carter, Weydt & Kyashna, 2016).  Many healthcare facilities, stakeholders, and health companies are really thinking about initiating using medical cannabis using their patients.  Individuals who favor the practice think that the legalization of cannabis may help stem the opiate/heroin epidemic within the U.S. Medicinal cannabis may be used to treat chronic discomfort rather of opioids, that are a lot more harmful.  We are seeing incredible opposition using their company healthcare segments.

            Several stakeholders who oppose using medical cannabis may be the pediatric community.  The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that “any alternation in the legal status of marijuana, even when restricted to adults, may affect the prevalence useful among adolescents” (American Nurses Association, 2017, p. 18). Although it supports research around the possible medical utilization of cannabinoids instead of smoked marijuana, it opposes the legalization and employ of marijuana for minors.

            In the past, current and continuing research on medicinal cannabis include studies that examine its use or potential use to treat excessive drinking Alzheimer disease and anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Barnett, Mahoney & Santos, 2015).  The proapoptotic aftereffect of cannabis and its capability to hinder AGF causes it to be particularly interesting to researchers and clinicians who treat patients with cancer.18-20 Its anti-inflammatory effect has attracted the interest of individuals involved with researching and treating autoimmune illnesses too.

            Among the first concerns that lots of healthcare professionals might have is exactly what support are they going to have within their practice regarding using medicinal cannabis. Nurses whose people are using medicinal cannabis might find it comforting to understand the American Nurses Association supplies a supportive position statement highlighted within this excerpt below:

“Professional nursing organizations need to advocate for all nurses and to advance change to improve health and healthcare.” The ANA strongly supports:

    Scientific review of marijuana's status as a federal Schedule I controlled substance and relisting marijuana as a federal Schedule II controlled substance for purposes of facilitating research (ANA, 2017).

Euclides

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1. Who are the stakeholders both in support of and in opposition to medicinal cannabis use?

Some of the stakeholders in healthcare that have openly supported legalization of medicinal Marijuana include the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2019). These organizations have accepted cannabis medicinal value, clinical use and legalization of the plant across the United States of America. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the World Health Organization (WHO) on the other hand has categorized cannabis as a controlled substance and put it under Schedule I due to the substance increased abuse (Bridgeman & Abazia, 2017). Therefore, both the WHO and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency have strongly opposed the use of medicinal Marijuana and questioned its uses in healthcare.

2. What does current medical/nursing research say regarding the increasing use of medicinal cannabis?

The research conducted by the Bridgeman & Abazia (2017) established that cultivation, regulation and distribution of medicinal marijuana as complex and unique.  In this respect, the US federal government has not fully accorded the priority of Medicinal Cannabis use even though some states have authorized its use (National Conference of State Legislatures, 2019). Regardless of the increase risk of Marijuana abuse, research has recognizes the medicinal marijuana as an important plant.

3. What are the policy, legal and future practice implications based on the current prescribed rate of cannabis?

Regardless of the uniqueness and complexity related to the use and logistics of medicinal cannabis, the policies that illegalize marijuana use especially in palliative care has greatly disrupted treatments that involves chronic and debilitating medical conditions (Bridgeman & Abazia, 2017). Nonetheless, the use of cannabis in future is likely to raise issues associated with trafficking and abuse.

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Rosie

Medical cannabis is a treatment that has gained increased attention in the United States in the recent past. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, marijuana was widely used as a patent medicine, but it was later prohibited under federal law. There has been much controversy regarding the use of cannabis for medical purposes and the regulations of cannabidiol products. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved marijuana for treatment use as the agency is concerned about patients’ safety and efficacy. 

The acceptance and use of medicinal cannabis have continued to grow, as several states in the US have now approved its use for medical conditions. By 2018, thirty-three states and Washington DC had allowed medical marijuana. However, the federal government does not recognize the potential of cannabis to treat diseases, mainly because there are few studies and clinical trials proving its medicinal value. Also, medical marijuana is associated with a risk of abuse and addiction, and it may lead to low quality of life and financial issues among users.

           Many Americans, including Congresspersons and members of the medical community, have viewed legalizing medical cannabis positively. The US Congress introduced the Medical Marijuana Research Act to ensure that cannabis is accessible to all qualified scientists seeking to research for medical purposes. If enacted, the bill would eliminate the unnecessary barriers of legalizing medical marijuana research needed to assess the risks and benefits associated with cannabis use. Moreover, medical community members support medicinal cannabis use since it has been reported to treat chronic pain. Also, medical marijuana has helped to control symptoms of several illnesses, such as cancer and Alzheimer's.

           

           Conclusively, the acceptance and use of medicinal cannabis continues to grow in the United States. Thirty-three states have approved its use for medical conditions. Although the issue of the therapeutic purpose of marijuana has become a controversial medical matter, some health practitioners support its use as a safe and effective medication for patients with chronic pains. On the other hand, the federal government does not recognize medicinal cannabis, mainly due to the lack of studies and clinical trials proving its therapeutic value. Given the increased rate of marijuana use for medicinal purposes, caregivers and patients need to be aware of potential DDIs and adverse effects in the future due to continued use.

 

Laura

The principal aim of the ‘Medical Use Marijuana’ bill no. 192 was redefining the term "medical use." The reevaluation of medical marijuana whether the possession, use, or administration of marijuana by route of smoking or inhalation be deemed legal by those who are chronically ill. Legalities or restrictions still apply for those who are prescribed medicinal marijuana, to include not smoking indoors, on government property or in the general public. Marijuana has been federally illegal since the 1930’s post Great Depression. Marijuana has also been categorized as a schedule 1 drug alongside heroin by the United Stated federal government which has greatly affected the studies conducted on it. In regard to stakeholders, local government agencies such as law enforcement expressed concerns that crime may increase, policies and procedure with prosecuting the crime and educating the public on laws pertaining to the drug.  Pharmaceutical companies are concerned with decrease in profit or lack of control with prescribing and supply. Growers and entrepreneurs are concerned with production, sales and regulation of product. Patients are concerned with cost, availability, and mostly effects and relief from medical ailments. 

 Certain requirements must be met in order to qualify and be prescribed medicinal marijuana such as a prescription from a qualified physician whom must submit specified documentation to the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine. If the patient is a minor under the age of 18 years old the physician is unable to prescribe medicinal marijuana by route of inhalation unless the patient is terminally ill. Additionally, the physician must have the determination from a second physician who is a pediatrician before moving forward with the prescription, as well as informed consent from the parents of the minor.  

Decriminalizing marijuana was essential as it kept patients from accessing the medicinal benefit of marijuana. The Florida State laws have allowed patients additional treatment options for diseases such as cancer and pain management for terminal illness, by approving this bill. The state has acknowledged the benefits of marijuana yet was cautious considering the effects it may have on the youth and general population. Ensuring the safety of the State of Florida, definitive boundaries were put in place according to the state law. The federal government still enforces strict limitations on the medical use of cannabis and it remains illegal federally.  

 

Impact on Healthcare 

The Florida State Laws allows patients to use medical marijuana as prescribed by health professionals, including a set dose with set amount of refills the same as other prescription drugs. For instance, a patient may be prescribed 2 grams monthly to cope with their disease. In regards to minors younger than 18 years, in order to smoke medical marijuana it must be directed by a pediatrician. The law identifies ten health conditions that qualify one to use medical marijuana. The diseases include epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), Parkinson’s disease, and Crohn’s disease (Candice M. Bowling 2019). Doctors are also allowed to establish other health complications that are comparable to the listed complications. Studies have shown data that shows that marijuana can help in palliative care and promoting comfort with symptoms such as pain, nausea, appetite loss and anxiety. The passing of this bill further allows research and studies to be done on Marijuana. The absence of such a law makes it illegal due to federal limitations, to conduct research, the marijuana plant is expected to have numerous health benefits and must be explored further.  

In conclusion, Florida approved the use of medical marijuana which benefits many ill people statewide. It is beneficial for those who suffer from chronic illness who are in turn affected psychologically. The funding process involves private as well as state budgets in cohesion with the medical sector. Although the drug itself is not yet covered by state or private insurance, it is still beneficial in the treatment of patients which is why they now have the right and privilege to pay out of pocket.