Pubdate: Tue, 22 Apr 2014
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2014 Tom Merrill
Contact:  http://www.montrealgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Tom Merrill

MARIJUANA OFFERS MANY BENEFITS

Re: "Is medical marijuana effective?" (Opinion, April 18)

It was good to see a physician taking a public stand against the
position of the College des medecins du Quebec on both the safety and
benefits of medical pot.

"Not one lethal overdose from marijuana has ever been reported," Dr.
Marcia Gillman points out, adding that "Cannabis is without doubt
safer than most, if not all, of the medications I regularly prescribe
to my very sick patient population." Except where contraindicated, as
in patients with schizophrenia and heart disease, "cannabis can be
safely prescribed."

Surely common sense would support the same conclusion. Pot has been
around a long time, and, unlike many substances both legal and
illegal, one never hears of it causing anyone any trouble. From what I
have seen personally, over the course of several decades of observing
pot smokers, it appears to work well not only as a pain reliever and
appetite booster, but also as a relaxant and social stimulant. Of
course, as with all drugs, the ideal dosage is different for everyone.

There is exactly zero evidence that I am aware of that it is dangerous
to the vast majority of people. I can see no reason at all that it
should not be made available for recreational use as well, as it
recently has been in Colorado. Maybe Justin Trudeau will succeed in
getting that done in a couple of years. It's long overdue.

Tom Merrill Montreal 
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