Pubdate: Thu, 16 May 2002
Source: NOW Magazine (Canada)
Copyright: 2002 NOW Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nowtoronto.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/282
Author: Mack Mcleod
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

POT A MEDICAL MIRACLE

Re: Senate Sparks Up.

The classification of cannabis as a substance with no medical value is 
laughable. Prior to its prohibition in the 1930s, "tincture of cannabis" 
was the second most prescribed medication in North America for more than 
100 ailments.

Queen Victoria was given cannabis for menstrual pain. Making cannabis 
illegal was done without medical consultation. Doctors were shocked to find 
one of their most valuable medicines suddenly illegal.

The notion that cannabis is an addictive drug leading to heroin is also 
laughable. The truth is out there. There are medical studies dating back to 
1894. The volumes of negative information about how its prohibition was 
enacted are obvious and frightening.

I'm waiting for our government to truly get tough on drugs. That means 
taking the money out of the criminal domain and allowing a healthy 
cannabis/hemp industry to create jobs and pay taxes, showing true 
compassion for the sick instead of forcing them into impossibly 
bureaucratic approvals.

Mack Mcleod

Thornhill
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MAP posted-by: Beth