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The Marijuana Phenomenon: Contradictions and Silence.
Joanne M Hall1, Mona M Shattell, Elizabeth A McConnell
1Joanne M. Hall, PhD, RN, FAAN, College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mona M. Shattell, PhD, RN, FAAN, College of Nursing, Rush University Chicago, Illinois. Elizabeth A. McConnell, MA, Department of Psychology, De Paul University, Chicago, Illinois.
Nursing scientists are silent on the ethics and policies of medical marijuana (MMJ), despite its increasing use for conditions advanced practice nurses manage. Further research and evidence-based policies are needed to address this gap.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Science
- Public Health Policy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The United States is experiencing a shift towards greater acceptance of recreational and medicinal marijuana (MJ).
- Advanced practice nurses frequently encounter patients using MJ for symptom management, aligning with their daily clinical practice.
- A significant gap exists in nursing scholarship concerning the ethical, practical, and policy implications of MJ use in clinical settings.
Discussion:
- This article highlights contradictions surrounding MJ use, emphasizing the need for interprofessional discourse among nurse scientists.
- It calls for exploring provider perspectives on MJ, its potential benefits, associated risks, and the impact of evolving legal and cultural landscapes.
- The authors stress the importance of addressing the current silence in nursing research regarding MJ's role in patient care and intervention.
Key Insights:
- Nursing science has not adequately addressed the ethical and policy dimensions of medical marijuana (MMJ) use.
- There is a critical need to bridge the knowledge gap in nursing regarding MMJ's impact on users and its therapeutic applications.
- Evidence-based policy recommendations are essential to guide clinical practice and research in this area.
Outlook:
- Future nursing research should focus on understanding the multifaceted aspects of MMJ, including user experiences and intervention effectiveness.
- Interprofessional collaboration is crucial for developing comprehensive guidelines and policies for MMJ in healthcare.
- Closing the knowledge gaps will empower nurses to provide informed care and contribute to evidence-based policy development.
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