Response to Morgan's response on Kahoua's thesis, on 2/4/10

Morgan makes a good point; Marinol seems like a very good alternative source of THC for patients. But Marinol has its shortcomings. Marinol contains pure THC and can be extremely potent and powerful and to some patients it is unpleasant and incapacitating (Rosenthal). Natural marijuana contains many other non-psychoactive ingredients with medical actions of their own that can counteract the adverse effect of THC. Many physicians and patients avoid Marinol because smoking marijuana more effectively delivers THC and allows them to go about their normal activities. For patients using Marinol for nausea, the swallowing of the capsule actually can invoke vomiting, and even if the patient manages to get the pill down without vomiting, they must be able to keep it down until the capsule releases the THC to help with the nausea (Rosenthal). Another reason why Marinol isn’t always the best way to go is the cost. It costs $1,000 a month for Marinol, which is significantly higher than even high quality Marijuana (Rudolph). Anyone undergoing chemotherapy would definitely rather not have to tack that extra thousand on to their bill. So Morgan, the use of Marinol seems on the surface to be a good easy fix to avoid the legalization of marijuana but with further speculation it may not be the answer patients’ need.

I found a great, very interesting video about marijuana vs. Marinol. It shows a lot of facts and opinions from users and doctors.
Works Cited

Gerber, Rudolph J. "Beneficial Effects of Marijuana as a Medical Prescription." Contemporary Issues Companion: Marijuana. Ed. Joseph Tardiff. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2008. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. Gale. Century College Library. 23 Feb. 2010

Rosenthal, Ed, and Steve Kubby. "Marijuana Should Be Legalized for Medical Use." Opposing Viewpoints: The War on Drugs. Ed. Tamara L. Roleff. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Web. Gale. Century College Library. 2 Feb. 2010