There is no evidence that chronic illnesses result from smoking marijuana. The risk of experiencing withdrawal symptoms, however, is possible for patients who rely on any chemical to maintain daily functioning and is not limited to marijuana use. Compared with the side effects of other medicines prescribed to MS patients, however, these short-term risks are mild. Risks associated with the use of medical marijuana remain unclear and unsubstantiated. There is a lack of evidence for long-term risks associated with marijuana use.
Studies verify the positive relationship between medical marijuana use and reduced spasticity.
Voters are realizing the cruelty associated with robbing a terminally or chronically ill patient from the medicine that most relieves their pain. MS is a chronic disease that can lead to severe pain and disability if untreated. For these reasons, medical marijuana should be available to patients who understand the risks associated with its use. Marijuana, the Forbidden Medicine . Yale University Press.