Pubdate: Tue, 11 Dec 2001 Source: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) Copyright: Allied Press Limited, 2001 Contact: http://www2.odt.co.nz Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/925 Author: Mark Long, Hampdon. MEDICINAL CANNABIS NO JUSTIFICATION FOR RECREATIONAL USE NUMEROUS RESEARCH articles present strong evidence for the adverse effects of smoking marijuana. But some people believe it should be legalised, or decriminalised, due to its medicinal properties (which are still controversial). In context, it would be fair to assume that a great majority of current marijuana users definitely do not use it for medicinal purposes. It is more sought after as a means of escape, a brief exit from the reality of normal life. I cannot understand current supporters of the drug using the argument of its medicinal uses to justify its decriminalisation. Maybe one day, it could be obtained via prescription, for medicinal purposes, but under no government should it be made more accessible to the public than it is now. By Mark Long, Hampdon. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart