The tragic death of a pop icon has left me thinking. Could cannabis medicines have helped the tragically storied life of one of the world's best musicians? Michael Jackson passed away yesterday with what is being reported as massive cardiac arrest as he was getting back in shape for an upcoming world tour. The King of Pop faced many trials and tribulations in the final years of his life that could have possibly been aided by the benefits of cannabis.

Reports from family and friends hint that Michael was extremely depressed and possibly addicted to synthetic pain killers. Although there are no well documented clinical tests on the effects of cannabis dealing with depression, many patients I know believe deeply that cannabis helps them to overcome many of the symptoms related to this illness. A good sativa may have helped MJ look at the world through a clearer lens and possibly have helped him to focus more clearly on the positive things in his life, thus improving his outlook and giving him a renewed sense of spirit in which to rebuild his persona.

The stress and anxiety levels associated with being the world's most recognizable face must have been difficult to cope with. Is it possible that cannabis could have relieved some of these common stress points and allowed MJ to better deal with the many issues associated with his lifestyle? Maybe. It definitely couldn't have hurt.

Since his tragic trial surrounding molestation charges in 2005 it is rumored that Michael never quite got over these allegations and turned to opiates to ease his pain. These chemical toxins take a very big toll on the structure of a person's organic being. It attacks your systems violently and can weaken necessary functions in the kidney, heart, and liver. Could a food-based cannabis medicine have helped meet these same needs in a more natural form? Possibly. It would have definitely been a more healthy and less toxic alternative.

Michael reportedly suffered from anorexia as well. Could vaporizing cannabis have helped him to form a more robust appetite, thus giving his body more strength and durability to survive these afflictions? Is it possible that the stigma associated with cannabis and "role models" have kept MJ from trying a medicine that could have helped him get past the afflictions of anorexia? It is a definite possibility. Cannabis is a well known appetite stimulant and it is difficult to not be hungry when medicated for most.

On top of all of these medical issues that cannabis may have been helpful to treat, is it possible that cannabis could have also helped with some of the bad decision making associated with MJ? Could he have really thought more deeply about having excessive plastic surgery done to himself? Is it possible that if he was medicated and mildly sedated that he would have not allowed for these questionable decisions to come to fruition, thus turning him into a caricature of a person, and creating a cartoonish persona? Could the "Jesus Juice" situation have been avoided? Would Neverland Ranch have not been a cool place to have a medical cannabis garden? Would his music have been even cooler?

Obviously this is a purely speculative piece and we will never know if cannabis could have helped save the King of Pop. We do know that it is tragic that this great talent has passed long before his time. We mourn the loss of a great musician and phenomenal life. It is worth asking what if in a situation like this. Is there a lesson to be learned here? When will the stigma of cannabis subside, thus opening the possibilities of therapy without the negative associations of being, well, for lack of a better term, "a pothead." Maybe being a pothead is a good thing. Maybe this wonderful and healing plant could have changed history on this day, but the truth is we shall never really know. Rest in peace to the King. There will never be another like you.