Pubdate: Fri, 22 Mar 2013
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 The Vancouver Sun
Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Ernie Gorrie
Page: A10
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n125/a07.html

ISOLATING ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF MARIJUANA MAY BE FRUITLESS

Re: Marijuana should be made a full-fledged prescription drug, 
Editorial, March 16

The Sun editorial identifies problems with current regulation of 
medical cannabis but its solution is naive and impractical. Although 
the utility of cannabis in whole form has been recognized by 
government, costly research into the isolation of active ingredients 
may be fruitless.

Research indicates that eating foods rich in omega- 3 acids provides 
cardiovascular benefits, but that taking pharmaceutical omega- 3 
supplements does not provide benefit. Cannabis use may be similar.

Cannabis is euphemistically called "weed" for a reason; it is too 
easy to produce to be amenable to effective regulation.

Instead it could be recognized as a non-commercial herb appropriate 
for limited production for personal use. This could eliminate the 
profit that promotes criminal activity and dissipate the safety risks 
associated with illegal grow ops.

Let Canadians make their own decisions regarding method of use, if 
any, including potency and purity, and of keeping their physicians 
advised of the health care decisions they are making.

The Sun's November 2012 endorsement of the SensibleBC initiative 
reflects a better approach to this multi-faceted issue.

It is a more practical response than increasing regulation and 
imposing untenable responsibility on physicians.

Ernie Gorrie Cowichan Bay
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom