Testimony of Dr. David Murray
Chief Scientist, Office of National Drug Control Policy
Before the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism,
and Homeland Security
“Hearing on the Drug Enforcement Administration's Regulation of Medicine”
July 12, 2007
Existing Legal Drugs Provide Superior Treatment for Medical Conditions
While the FDA has approved safe and effective medication for the treatment of glaucoma, nausea, wasting syndrome, cancer, neuropathic pain, and multiple sclerosis, it is also true that THC, the primary active chemical in marijuana and other cannabinoids in the plant might well be useful for treating certain medical problems. For example, the FDA approved synthetic THC, the main ingredient in Marinol, to control nausea in cancer chemotherapy patients and to stimulate appetite in people with AIDS. Marinol, in the oral form, is a legal prescription drug available on the market by prescription since 1985. It is currently classified as a Schedule III drug under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act, meaning that the drug is widely available for patients who may need it.
In light of these scientifically proven medicinal alternatives, the idea of telling suffering patients that the best we can do for them is to encourage them to inhale the hot smoke of a burning weed, of unknown dose and purity, seems medieval at best. To resolve this whether science can demonstrate any conceivable medical benefit, NIH is conducting controlled clinical trials of smoked marijuana. To date, the best available evidence points to the conclusion that the adverse effects of marijuana smoke on the respiratory system would almost certainly offset any possible benefit. As a result, marijuana remains as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970. In other words, marijuana remains a dangerous drug that has no recognized medical value.
In fact, there is some evidence that suggests that prescribing smoking marijuana may actually harm the health of patients. The delicate immune systems of seriously ill patients, for example, may become compromised by the smoking of marijuana. Research has already demonstrated that the daily use of marijuana can compromise lung function and increase the risk for respiratory diseases, similar to those associated with nicotine cigarettes. Additionally, marijuana also has a high potential for abuse and can incur addiction. Research has also shown that frequent use of marijuana leads to tolerance of the psychoactive effects. Smokers may compensate by smoking more often or seeking higher potency marijuana.
Finally, in people with psychotic or other mental health problems, the use of marijuana can precipitate severe emotional disorders. Chronic use of marijuana may increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in people with a past history of schizophrenia. Marijuana smoking by young people may lead to impairment of higher brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as a higher risk for addiction and polydrug abuse problems.
Last Updated: July 16, 2007
