Pubdate: Tue, 31 Oct 2006
Source: Olds Albertan, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 The Olds Albertan
Contact:  http://www.oldsalbertan.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2380
Author: James Wiedrick, M.D. C.C.F.P.

To the Editor ...

POT COLUMN GOT IT WRONG

RE: Kim Dick's Commentary Re: Medical Marijuana on October 17, 2006.

As a physician concerned about public health and safety, I must 
disagree with Ms. Dick's assertion that "marijuana research continues 
to prove that it is safe, effective and even preventative". The 
evidence is to the contrary.

Medical marijuana has no inherent medical value or properties that 
cannot be bested by other legal, non-addictive therapies. Marijuana 
is a gateway drug to more serious drugs of abuse. Marijuana is toxic, 
with five joints a week thought to have the same lung cancer causing 
properties as a package of cigarettes daily.

For those interested in more information I suggest 
www.dea.gov/ongoing/marijuana.html.

James Wiedrick, M.D. C.C.F.P.

Olds
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MAP posted-by: Elaine