Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jun 2014
Source: Independent (Malta)
Copyright: 2014, Standard Publications Ltd
Contact:  http://www.independent.com.mt/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2884
Author: John Cordina

FORMER HEALTH MINISTER ADVOCATES MEDICAL USE OF CANNABIS

Former Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia argued in favour of using
cannabis - specifically, synthetic derivatives of the drug - for
medical purposes, insisting that its use could be beneficial to
patients facing a number of health issues.

Dr Farrugia made his call during an adjournment speech yesterday
evening. Seemingly aware of the possible controversy his argument may
cause, the MP approached the topic cautiously, and made sure to point
out that he was not, in any way, endorsing the recreational use of
cannabis.

But he emphasised that patients stood to benefit from the effect of
various active ingredients of cannabis, including its analgesic,
anti-emetic, anti-spastic and appetite stimulating effects.

The former minister observed that research into the medical use of
cannabis has been controversial, but added that studies have confirmed
that it could help address chronic conditions such as Huntington's
disease, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and various cancers.

Dr Farrugia added that cannabis has proven to be beneficial when it
comes to palliative care, pointing out that several countries across
the world were providing it, or its derivatives, to terminal patients.
He recalled that when he visited an oncology centre in Israel as a
minister, he had observed, first-hand, the appropriate use of cannabis.

The MP also said that cannabis could be used to stimulate appetite
among anorexia patients, address the side-effects - particularly
nausea - of chemotherapy, and to help treat patients with HIV/AIDS.

Dr Farrugia noted that one could either utilise synthetic derivatives
or preparations which are not meant for smoking: In Israel, for
instance, cannabis butter was used in foods which were provided to
patients. But the former minister said that he preferred the former
and disagreed with the latter method, not least because the former was
a bona fide medical product which could be provided to patients
through prescriptions.

He noted that such prescriptions should only be issued by consultants,
who would prescribe the lowest-possible doses for a few days at a go.

Noting that a form of decriminalisation of drug possession was in the
offing, Dr Farrugia called for an educational campaign to be launched,
and also appealed to the Malta Medicines Authority to carry out a
detailed analysis of the medical benefits of cannabis and its
derivatives.
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MAP posted-by: Matt