Pubdate: Sun, 15 Jul 2001
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2001 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.ottawacitizen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: Germaine Cornellier
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

MARIJUANA PROVIDES RELIEF

Re: Marijuana no better than codeine: study, July 6.

The article says "marijuana is no more powerful a painkiller than codeine" 
and if we have drugs better than codeine, why would we "introduce something 
that's about as good"?

In my experience, the use of marijuana for medical purposes is for nausea 
relief rather than pain relief. The medications associated with HIV and 
chemotherapy treatment have a nauseating effect.

For full effectiveness, HIV medications must be taken faithfully and 
without fail. Less than 95-per-cent compliance could lead to drug 
resistance. Vomiting medications reduces their effectiveness. Some 
medications need to be taken on a full stomach and some people become too 
nauseated to eat. Medications taken on an empty stomach are also reduced in 
effectiveness.

The article mentions "drugs that are better than codeine." Is the person 
quoted, Fiona Campbell, referring to Demerol, Percodan, Percocet and 
morphine? These drugs cause symptoms of disorientation, dizziness, poor 
coordination numbness and muscle twitching far more severe than marijuana, 
and are habit-forming.

Rather than relief from acute pain, marijuana provides relief of chronic 
pain and chronic fatigue. Yes, there is some comfort for the mind when 
smoking marijuana. I think people dealing with issues such as death and 
dying deserve at least that much.

Germaine Cornellier,

Ottawa
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MAP posted-by: GD