Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jan 2008
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n049/a01.html
Author: Dr. Chris Sedergreen

WHY MARIJUANA SHOULDN'T BE LEGAL

While Colby Cosh's call for compassion is well motivated, it is 
misguided, perhaps due to a lack of pharmaceutical knowledge. There 
is certainly a growing body of evidence for the use of cannabinoids 
(the active ingredient in marijuana) in pain management and perhaps 
in other areas of relief of suffering. Nabilone is one of two 
cannabinoids which have been available to physicians for prescription 
for many years. While traditionally it is used for the prevention of 
nausea during (cancer) chemotherapy, its "off label" use in chronic 
pain management is growing. It is manufactured to pharmaceutical 
standards, i.e., without impurities.

Contrast that with the many "grow ops" regularly taken down by the 
police. These officers are required to wear protective clothing and 
even breathing apparatus, to protect them against the toxic agents 
(pesticides and herbicides) that are used by the growers. Yet these 
toxic agents are taken in by those individuals who foolishly obtain 
their drugs from illicit sources. It makes no sense to authorize the 
prescribing and use of such a dangerous product as marijuana when 
there is a perfectly safe one that will provide the same benefit.

Dr. Chris Sedergreen, Anmore, B.C.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom