Caught in the Crossfire: The Dilemma of Marijuana “Medicalization” for Healthcare Providers
No plant in American culture is more glorified—nor more vilified—than Cannabis Sativa, known commonly as marijuana. When smoked, or otherwise ingested, marijuana produces psychoactive effects that can include changes in time and space perception, lightheadedness, and euphoria. As such, marijuana is certainly a drug. But is it medicine? This question has fueled debate for decades, and has impacted political ideology, sociology, law enforcement policy, and, not insignificantly, healthcare. This Article explores marijuana’s long, often arduous, path from panacea to pariah, and more recent attempts to resurrect and redefine its reputation. In the process, it examines how healthcare providers have been drafted into the battle and, often unwillingly, have been marched to the front lines. Read More …