Pubdate: Sat, 7 Jun 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/n578/a09.html
Author: Russell Barth

MARIJUANA IS NOT TOXIC

Re: Split Decision In Kay Vs. Kay

In the debate of whether marijuana should be legalized, letter-writer
Jack Chambers' assertion that marijuana is "toxic" is scientifically
untrue. THC is a proven therapeutic agent, not a toxin, as stated in
the 2002 Senate Committee Report on Drugs.

Cannabis has dozens of medical benefits, compared to the very few
medical benefits that alcohol offers. And recent studies out of
Germany even show how cannabinoids stimulate the body's production of
TIMP-1, which helps resist cancer's invasion.

My wife and I use cannabis all day, every day, as part of our medical
and spiritual healing. My wife has all but cured her epilepsy (60+
seizures per year, down to just five), and I have risen from my
wheelchair to return to the comedy stage.

It is blatant misinformation like this that makes having any kind of
sensible debate on marijuana in Canada impossible.

Russell Barth, Nepean, Ont.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake