They consider the U.S. to be heartless to refuse to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes. Those people argue that the legalization of the drug would not make matters worse because it will be restricted to be used for medicinal purposes only. .
First of all, there are medicines better than marijuana. For example, there are safer and more effective medicines for people who need it as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea. According to oncologist Daniel Brookoff, M.D., Ph.D., "Within the last 10 years, safe and effective treatments for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting have made this fear a thing of the past" (Brookoff). Dr. Brookoff says that the most successful group of anti-nausea drugs has been the recently introduced medications which block serotonin receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, such as ondansetron. These medications have proven to be safe and effective for both adults and children and generally have only mild side effects. Another group of drugs proven safe and effective for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced vomiting are medications which block dopamine receptors such as metoclopramide and haloperidol. Other dopamine-blocking medications such as the phenothiazine medications which include Thorazine and Compazine are somewhat effective but are inferior and remain "third choice" medications. Further medications, such as certain steroids and minor tranquilizers, have proven safe and effective for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, usually when used in conjunction with another anti-nausea drug. A class of drugs derived from marijuana called the cannabinoids has also been shown to have some anti-nausea effects, but this activity is no greater than that of third-choice drugs. A purified form of the cannabinoid Delta-9 THC has been available on the American market for eight years under the brand name Marinol. Despite its availability, it has found limited use because it generally does not work (Brookoff.
