Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jul 2003 Source: Listener, The (New Zealand) Copyright: 2003 Wilson & Horton Contact: http://www.listener.co.nz/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/241 Author: Duncan Eddy Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) MEDICINAL MARIJUANA My heart goes out to Greg Soar (letters, June 21), coordinator for Green Cross, the Medicinal Cannabis Support Group of New Zealand. Soar is a sick man, and the challenges put before him as he tries to get legal access to a cheap, efficacious herbal medicine must take their toll. Tricia Briscoe of the Medical Association supports moves to utilise the medicinal benefits of marijuana, but calls for more research into the herb's therapeutic qualities before any legislative changes. Briscoe is also concerned about the possible harms arising from cannabis abuse. The medicinal value of cannabis has been well documented for 2000 years. Cannabis is cheap and easy to grow. It relieves the misery caused by serious illnesses such as epilepsy, cancer and HIV. It's downsides are insignificant compared to the side effects of pharmaceutical substances such as morphine that many seriously ill patients are routinely prescribed by their doctors. The Netherlands and Canada have medical marijuana distribution programmes. Meanwhile, those who use this therapeutic herb here are being arrested, imprisoned, and having their medicine confiscated. How about a little humanity? Sick people are continuing to suffer needlessly while bureaucrats and legislators pour forth volumes of hot air. Duncan Eddy - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin