Medical Marijuana Ethical Issues

Medical Marijuana Ethical Issues

Part 1: In many states, marijuana is now legal for certain medical purposes. What are your state’s laws regarding marijuana? Identify some clinical issues that may now present themselves because of this. Cite appropriate professional ethical codes to support your response.

Part 2: What if you have a client who is addicted to alcohol and narcotics, who is also using marijuana to help with chronic pain?

How might you address this situation? What faith-based or spiritual beliefs support or conflict with this situation?

This discussion question meets the following NASAC Standards:

10) Describe a variety of helping strategies for reducing the negative effects of substance abuse and dependency.

116) Demonstrate ethical behaviors by adhering to established professional codes of ethics that define the professional context within which the counselor works, in order to maintain professional standards and safeguard the client.

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APA

Medical Marijuana Ethical Issues

Part 1:

In Louisiana, marijuana is legal for medical use under specific conditions. The state allows medical marijuana for patients diagnosed with qualifying medical conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease, and chronic pain, among others. However, the use of marijuana is highly regulated, with physicians required to authorize its use, and patients must register with the state’s medical marijuana program (Louisiana State Legislature, 2020).

With the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes, several clinical issues may arise. Healthcare providers may face dilemmas regarding patient safety, drug interactions, and the potential for misuse or dependence. For instance, marijuana use can interact with other medications, affecting the efficacy or safety of treatment regimens, especially in patients with complex conditions. Furthermore, there is an ethical challenge in balancing the medical use of marijuana with the potential for misuse, particularly as marijuana remains illegal at the federal level (American Medical Association, 2021). Ethical codes such as the American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics emphasize the nurse’s responsibility to provide safe, evidence-based care while respecting patients’ rights to make informed decisions. Nurses and healthcare professionals must also be mindful of the…