Shaniece Denson
Mike. Urbana, IL. 28 July, 2015
In a comment responding to David Casarett’s “What I Learned at the Weed Dispensary”, Mike states his opinion concerning physicians and the role they play in prescribing treatment. David Casarett’s article defends the argument that the more mainstream healthcare system should imitate certain proponents of the medical marijuana industry. This claim is directed at physicians who have the authority to make necessary changes in their clinics and in their methods of distributing relief. In his comment, Mike agrees with David Casarett’s argument, but he introduces an additional reason as to why doctors behave in a certain manner when it comes to providing treatment for their patients. The information that Mike gives allows the readers to better comprehend the intended audience which is doctors, and the situation that is at hand which happens to be their incompetence to yield sound treatment. Though Mike agrees with Casarett his reply takes the burden off of doctors and places its weight on the government. Mike contends that the government limits physicians’ abilities to grant effective treatment to their suffering patients. Mike’s argument causes there to be a change in audience; it takes the focus off of physicians and directs it toward the government.
Mike’s extensive knowledge on the subject makes him appear as a credible source. He provides situated information about the situation which implies that he has done previous research or that he is in a positions of authority to obtain such knowledge. He also states a resolve to solve the problem within the healthcare system that a person without direct experience within this situation would advocate. Moreover, Mike’s response was chosen by New York Times to be among 20 other notable comments out of 330 comments. New York Times is a distinguished venue that is respected by various communities; particularly communities that are well informed and value being well-read and knowledgeable. In spite of the use of minimum inflammatory language the speaker argues in what seems to be a responsible manner.
Mike acknowledges that doctors have the ability to treat unbearable symptoms that cause their patients to suffer. However he notes that it is impossible for physicians to do so when the government limits their power to prescribe certain medications, such as marijuana. Mike sheds light on the fact that since “cannabis isn’t legally available” doctors are forced to distribute medication that “the government is OK with making available”. These drugs include “hydrocodone and its analogues” which are noted to be much more dangerous than marijuana. Mike goes on to support this claim by saying that “in states that permit medical marijuana, opioid-related deaths have fallen.” In contrast to other areas where these type of fatalities continue to increase. Mike asserts that the government “prefers that people just go die” rather than legalizing medical marijuana to alleviate pains that are treatable. Ultimately Mike is arguing that the government should take a step back, and allow physicians to treat their patients the best way that they know how since doctors have more knowledge on the potency levels of certain drugs. Mike states that “the DEA hovers over doctors with … threats” to take away their prescription rights if they violate the DEA’s orders to limit the distribution of pain medication. With such guidelines it is impossible for doctors to give patients the care that they deserve and desire. Therefore, Mike argues that if the government would make marijuana available, remove their restrictions, and allow doctors to prescribe marijuana as a pain medication then patients would receive healthy treatment.
I liked that you chose a comment to an article, you really got the commentators point across. Its good to see regular people chime in on issues such as doctors being able to prescribe marijuana, it invites more people to share their individual thoughts. You were very thorough in explaining what Mike had to say, and that made the summary really concise.
I also believe that the government should allow physicians to conduct their own treatments as they like. I feel like the medical industry should have control of the products given to customers and not the government. In my opinion marijuana dispensaries are not a reason to be established if the people who use marijuana for medical reasons have their local doctor prescribed to them. I would rather have medical marijuana be prescribed then have to legalize marijuana for medical reasons.
Mike has some interesting input. There are some notes that the medical industry and the government should take. The idea is to heal and help as many people as possible. Although, we can’t let anyone do whatever they want. There has to be some limits. Those limits shouldn’t interfere with healing but with doing more damage than what has already been done.
I feel like the government and the medical industry should be separate domains, however as Robert put it, we cannot let anyone do whatever they want but can limit what can be done. Overall, the goal of Mike is to suggest that people need heathy treatments, and for those who need the prescription of marijuana for such treatment should not have a difficult time in getting one.
The government is interfering with the medical industry and sometimes they regulate it too much. Especially with the case with marijuana the government has many restrictions. The government should also be strict about other drugs because there are many over the counter drugs which are dangerous. Overall there needs to be some limits concerning the industry.