I subscribe to several databases and Continuing Education groups that are specifically designed for physicians and pharmacists. I get a glimpse at what the medical orthodoxy and pharmaceutical industry is up to that way. This morning I received an email from one with several newsworthy topics. One was a poll asking physicians whether marijuana should be lagalized or not.

The poll was titled Time to Legalize Pot? :
Marijuana has been shown to be effective in glaucoma and pain control -- most recently for neuropathic pain -- and has been okayed for medical use in several states.

I was first curious to see how so many physicians would vote on this topic. The poll question was: Is it time to decriminalize marijuana for medical purposes nationwide? The answer choices were:

1. Yes
2. Yes, but only for select conditions
3. Yes, completely not just for medical use
4. No

I voted in order to see the results and much to my surprise almost as many physicians had voted Yes as did Yes, completely not just for medical use! 37% of physicians voted Yes for medical use and 32% voted Yes, completely - medical and non medical use! I was quite surprised because I always thought most physicians were a bit more prudish.

Of course I also voted Yes, completely not just for medical use. Its hypocritical to allow the sale and consumption of alcohol or tobacco and outlaw marijuana use. We see in the state of California that the loosening and legalized use of marijuana has not led to debauchery and havoc. Cannabis is being studied for it anti-cancer properties. Its an amazing sleep aid with none of the side effects seen in pharmaceutical sleep aids.

Time to let go of old stigmas I think. Makes one wonder if more physicians aren't enjoying the benefits of marijuana in the privacy of their own homes?