Journal of public health policy
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J Public Health Policy · Jan 2000
Rural economic development vs. tobacco control? Tensions underlying the use of tobacco settlement funds.
Some public health advocates in tobacco states, having reconsidered the impacts of the federal tobacco price-support program, have negotiated common tobacco regulatory policy stances with tobacco grower representatives. This paper describes the impact of this rapprochement on the state-level negotiations of Master Settlement Agreement funds. ⋯ Among three competing philosophies of economic development for TDCs, none are well evaluated, and two potentially create endless demands on Settlement resources. Public health policy advocates are urged to participate in negotiations on TDC economic development and to forcefully advocate for adequate tobacco control resources.
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J Public Health Policy · Jan 2000
The ethics of medical marijuana: government restrictions vs. medical necessity.
Marijuana is listed by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) as an illegal Schedule I drug which has no currently accepted medical use. However, on March 17, 1999, 11 independent scientists appointed by the Institute of Medicine reported that medical marijuana was effective in controlling some forms of pain, alleviating nausea and vomiting due to chemotherapy, treating wasting due to AIDS, and combating muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis. There was also no evidence that using marijuana would increase illicit drug use or that it was a "gateway" drug. ⋯ After reviewing the pertinent scientific data and applying the principle of double effect, there is a proportionate reason for allowing physicians to prescribe marijuana. Seriously ill patients have the right to effective therapies. To deny patients access to such a therapy is to deny them dignity and respect as persons.