In "New Research Report Presents Marijuana Facts," NIDA stated smoking marijuana presents the same risks to cancer as cigarettes. The NIDA website claims, "It's hard to know for sure whether regular marijuana use causes cancer someone who smokes five joints per day may be taking in as many cancer-causing chemicals as someone who smokes a full pack of cigarettes every day. " The American Cancer Society (ACS) states that marijuana contains more tar than cigarettes, and during use marijuana smoke remains in the lungs longer than cigarette smoke .
Cancer patients claim the use of marijuana provides relief from chemotherapy side effects. Marijuana has long been used to treat aches and nausea. Richard J. Cohen, M.D., F.A.C.P., Consulting Medical Oncologist at California-Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, stated cancer patients tolerate chemotherapy drugs through the use of marijuana. In his opinion, marijuana aided cancer and aids patients by improving their appetite and general nutrition. These benefits lead to a better quality of life . Anna Boyce, a registered nurse at Mission Viejo concurs, "I know, from watching my own husband undergo chemotherapy, that marijuana can reduce nausea when the standard drugs do not work ." The American Public Health Association provides this statement: .
Concluding that greater harm is caused by the legal consequences of its prohibition than possible risks of medicinal use; therefore:.
1. Encourages research of the therapeutic properties of various cannabinoids and combinations of cannabinoids; and .
2. Encourages research on alternative methods of administration to decrease the harmful effects related to smoking; and .
3. Urges the Administration and Congress to move expeditiously to make cannabis available as a legal medicine where shown to be safe and effective and to immediately allow access to therapeutic cannibis through the Investigational New Drug Program .