Pharmaceutical industries fear that the myriad applications of easily grown marijuana might undermine their lucrative monopoly on substances that help Americans feel better. Both law enforcement and pharmaceutical industries are quick to point out that synthetic cannabinoids are already available for medical use. This argument fails to consider the differences between natural marijuana and its synthetic cousin. Drug Czar McCaffrey and others urge further tests and development of non-smoking THC delivery systems such as suppositories, skin patches, inhalers, and aerosol sprays. None have yet been proven effective or are not ready for marketing.
Smoked marijuana remains the cheapest, most reliable means by which a sick person can obtain relief.
Such arguments fail to consider that many medications such as tranquilizers, pain killers, and even morphine are in common medical usage in spite of society's wish that teens not use them. Further, teens routinely see adults use substances that are forbidden to teens, such as alcohol and cigarettes. Finally, teens have not been protected from exposure and access to marijuana by its prohibition. Cannabinoid-based drugs will only become available if public investment in cannabinoid drug research is sustained, and if there is enough incentive for private enterprise to develop and market such drugs. Thousands of years of folk herbal history continues to reveal the safety and effectiveness of marijuana as medicine.