Medical Marijuana ProCon.org HOME | CLOSE

1. Name: James McKoy, M.D.  
2. Title: Rheumatologist, Kaiser Permanente, Hawaii
3. Medical Marijuana
Position:		 Con to the question "Should marijuana be a medical option?"
4. Reasoning:

"I have one patient with rheumatoid arthritis who uses it for pain and, other than getting a 'high,' it hasn't reduced any of her needs for DMARDs [disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs], NSAIDs [non- steroidal anti inflammatory drugs], prednisone or Vicodin.

I see no change in her complaints of pain." (December 2000, Arthritis Today)
5. Credibility
Ranking:

 Key Experts
Physicians [We believe physicians are the "key experts" in the medical marijuana debate because the issue is thought by many to be ultimately based on the medical value and risks of marijuana, and Physicians, with their training and clinical work, should (at least in theory) have the best knowledge of marijuana's medical value and risks.].

6. Involvement:
  • 1991-Present - Rheumatologist, Kaiser Permanente, Hawaii
  • Present - Member, Advisory Board, Arthritis Today magazine
7. Education: M.D., University of Iowa College of Medicine
8. Relevant Affiliations/Honors: None listed

9. Contact Info:
Phone: (808) 432-2000 Fax: None listed
E-Mail:  None listed
Web Site: Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu
10. Other: Teaches class "Arthritis and the Healer Within" at Kaiser hospital.
TOP HOME | CLOSE