Pubdate: Mon, 10 Mar 2014
Source: Advertiser, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2014 Advertiser Newspapers Ltd
Contact: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/news/opinion/sendletter
Website: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1

MEDICINAL USE OF MARIJUANA WORTH DEBATE

EVERY day, desperate Australians are breaking the law by acquiring or 
growing their own marijuana to treat problems ranging from chronic 
pain to uncontrolled seizures and chemotherapy-induced nausea.

Medical marijuana, made with cannabidiol, a component of cannabis, 
has been produced by drug companies in oils, sprays and tablets, 
which remove the uncertainty about dosing.

But these therapies are out of reach to Australians because they are 
yet to be legalised.

The story of eight-year-old epilepsy sufferer Charlotte Elliott, told 
in the Sunday Mail yesterday, has heightened public debate and 
support for medical marijuana.

Charlotte's father Mark wants to see clinical trials of 
cannabis-based pharmaceuticals which may control her seizures, 
numbering up to 40 a week.

The use of medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation is legal 
in 20 US states.

The Australian Medical Association believes it may have benefits and 
supports more research.

Plant-based cannabis use, which is also illegal, can cause a faster 
heart-rate, vomiting and paranoia.

Meanwhile, the pleas of cancer patients and those with neurological 
disorders and their carers in Australia would appear to be falling on 
deaf ears.

An online poll by The Advertiser reveals almost 93 per cent of 
respondents favour legalising medicinal marijuana use.

These sorts of polls, with similar results, are not uncommon and 
indicate community attitudes have shifted in the past 50 years.

It is certainly a debate worth revisiting.

Rolling a joint or blazing a doobie is not what this is about. It's 
not about allowing recreational drug users to frolic in hemp.

It's about concern for the chronically ill and investigating whether 
more can be done for them.

If the laws are to remain the same as they always have, they should 
be grounded in the best available evidence.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom