Pubdate: Sat, 04 Aug 2001
Source: Merritt Herald (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Merritt Herald
Contact:  http://www.merrittherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1446
Author: Joe Hueglin

NO REAL DOPE ON NEW MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

Thirty years and more now, during The Age of Aquarius, the products of the 
plant cannabis sativa were first widely introduced into North American society.

"Guilty until proven innocent" was the title of a position paper on their 
use taken by the secondary school principals of Prince Edward Island at the 
time.

As of Monday July 30 "regulations on marijuana for medicinal use take 
effect" without guilt or innocence having been clinically proven as would 
normally be the case with prescription drugs, though studies are now under way.

"Unfortunately, the government has decided to go ahead to appease a few 
lobby groups," is the apparent reaction of Dr. Raju Hajela, past-president 
of The Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine which is calling for more 
clinical research because "there is more risk than benefit.

"The courts can't be deciding how doctors should be practising medicine, 
because that's what is essentially happening here," Hajela has been quoted 
as saying.

This, though, is precisely what's happening. And with no current 
parliamentarian on either side of the House of Commons championing these 
opinions of those into whose hands we entrust our well being.

Sad. And only in Canada.

Joe Hueglin,

former Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament,

Niagara Falls, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens