Pubdate: Thu, 24 Jul 2014 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2014 Postmedia Network Inc. Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n595/a08.html Author: Walter Lemmo Page: B7 PRESCRIBED BECAUSE IT WORKS Re: Easy to get, easy to buy, Special Report, July 19 As a licensed naturopathic doctor focused on primary care and adjunctive cancer therapies, I have noticed a staggering increase in patient queries about the medicinal use of marijuana. We see the same in the media, whether CNN profiling Dr. Gupta, myriad patient testimonials, or the advent of legalization in certain states. As a doctor I have three concerns which your article gave short shrift to. First, medical benefit: There are and always will be recreational users, but I have documented patients who have reduced stronger medications, such as morphine, to alleviate pain while at the same time reducing unwanted drug side effects. I have seen terminally ill patients increase their appetite, reduce nausea and stabilize their condition with marijuana. Second, industry standards: For medical marijuana users the important issues are batch variation and a lack of standardization and quality control on the cannabis which is readily available. For medicinal purposes, there needs to be more focus on dosage, methods of administration, and the research being collated in this area. Finally, your article put great emphasis on ease of access but almost none on why a licensed doctor would wilfully deny care to a patient who would benefit from marijuana - especially patients on patent medicines causing them undue side effects. Walter Lemmo, N.D. Vancouver - --- MAP posted-by: Matt