This paper examines case study from the Kurzen Text Box 10-3 pg. 218-219. In this paper I will chose 1 out of 3 case studies and discuss questions associated with the case study from chapter 10 discussion. Which pertains to Medical Marijuana and its effects on health and society as well as the ethical dilemma and health care laws associated with the use of medical marijuana. I will also relate my personal code of ethics statement to the ethical dilemma in the case study.
Medical Marijuana
Is it safe to venture into the unknown? Or is the unknown our Knight in shining armor ready to save the day? Medical marijuana has become a globalized discussion that has initiated many debates. In case study 2 we learned about Toby a woman who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Due to her chemotherapy, she experiences nausea and vomiting, which lead her to try many clinical drugs, acupuncture, massages, diets, and assorted teas. After losing 20 pounds she decided to try medical marijuana. There are many ethical dilemmas and health laws associated with this discussion.
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The Unknown
All states should legalize marijuana for medical purposes only and even then, there should be certain severe cases that determine if a person is eligible for medical marijuana. Accessibility to medical marijuana increases accessibility for nonmedical abuse. New research suggests that marijuana users may be more likely than nonusers to misuse prescription opioids and develop prescription opioid use disorder (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2017). The composition of medical marijuana pharmaceutically is not consistent. Due to the various unknown chemicals that are in the marijuana plant, it is hard to develop a product and determine certain doses. Smoking marijuana has the same risks as smoking cigarettes. Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether from burning wood, tobacco or marijuana, toxins and carcinogens are released from the combustion of materials. Smoke from marijuana combustion has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke ('Marijuana and Lung Health', 2017). There is a pharmaceutical preparation that is equally effective in controlling nausea called Marinol. For me to change my position on this topic it would take a significant amount of abuse of medical marijuana and the misuse of the drug. If the drug is used in the right manner it could be an important game-changer in the medical field.
Dilemma vs Law
Many people who chose the medical marijuana route often at times feel ashamed or embarrassed because of society's view on medical marijuana. Oppositions occur due to various things like laws, personal values, moral principles, etc. Some medical professionals have many encounters with patients who would like to use medical marijuana. This might not necessarily align with their principles, so they end up with an ethical dilemma. All healthcare personals are recurred to treat and provided the same care to all patients regardless of beliefs or standards. The AMA ethics guidelines require healthcare professionals to continue care of the patient and not abandon. Therefore if a person has no training in medical marijuana they should refer patients to knowledgeable places. Otherwise, the patient will be considered abandoned.
Guidelines
If you are faced with an ethical dilemma concerning medical marijuana following guidelines is the best thing to do. The first thing to do would be to gather all the facts about medical marijuana. To ensure all the information you have are accurate and also ask yourself if it is right or wrong or if it is just a personal preference. Secondly, what manner will everyone in this situation act? This should further help you decide what to do in this type of difficult situation. If your dilemma is still not solved or still causing you discomfort. You can thirdly, speak with a supervisor or someone in higher authority. This can help with gaining new information to widen your beliefs or what you think of medical marijuana. Another great thing to do is join institutional committees who specialize in that specific area.
Separation of ethics and belief
In conclusion, studies have shown the effectiveness of medical marijuana if it is used for the rightful purpose. Which makes medical marijuana among most of the ethical dilemmas’ healthcare providers face, but it is important to consider the facts and not simply rely on personal beliefs when come to giving patients the upmost care and treatment they need for a pleasant healthcare experience.
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