Pubdate: Sat, 16 Aug 2014
Source: Tampa Bay Times (FL)
Copyright: 2014 St. Petersburg Times
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author: Jim Demmy
Page: A8

STOP THE POT BASHING

Re: Medical Use of marijuana requires more research | Aug 14, column

As a pharmacist, I wonder why there is negaA-tivity against marijuana
or cannabis to the point where some want to prevent its use medically.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement AdministraA-tion continues to classify
marijuana as a SchedA-ule I controlled substance along with cocaine
and heroin. This classification means it is very addicting and has no
medical use. But recent findings show it has had benefit in some
childA-hood seizures.

Only the National Institute on Drug Abuse supplies cannabis for
research under a contract from one supplier: the University of
Mississippi pharmacy school. They are responsible, along with the DEA,
for placing roadblocks to abunA-dant research.

Keeping cannabis a class I substance in my opinion is outdated. There
is no way it is as addicting as oxycodone (Oxycontin) and that is a
Schedule II. We must move forward and allow more abundant research on
cannabis, because it will provide more than just a treatment for
seiA-zures and that is what is behind some of these roadblocks.

Keeping the lid on cannabis research in my opinion continues to allow
opinions and ideolA-ogy to override the truth.

Jim Demmy, Kenneth City
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MAP posted-by: Matt