Pubdate: Tue, 16 Dec 2014
Source: News, The (New Glasgow, CN NS)
Copyright: 2014 Transcontinental Inc.
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Page: 6

MISSING THE BOAT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

When it comes to health care, we need to be open to new means of
helping people. Medical marijuana comes with built-in controversy
because it's been an illegal substance for so many decades. It's time
to get rid of that stigma and have a more honest review of the
potential medicinal benefits.

Practical uses of the drug have been slow to catch on in the medical
community, purportedly due to a lack of information - but also, some
suspect, because of lingering suspicions from the level of lawmakers.

Prospective users have complained about low supply and high
prices.

In addition to those who feel they could benefit from marijuana for
health reasons, people in central Nova Scotia also have a passing
interest in this issue. Two companies - in Stellarton and in Truro -
are in the process of applying for licensing for production, a
potential for much-needed commercial activity.

But even as more commercial growers receive the OK, they face many
restrictions.

Producers, for example, aren't able to make medical claims about their
product or let prospective buyers know details about the strains of
marijuana they offer. They are allowed to publicize only product
names, price and cannabinoid content.

Considering the various strains differ in the compounds contained -
with certain compounds aimed to help certain medical conditions - that
information being withheld is vital to medical users.

Consider the potential dangers of many prescription drugs available if
they are abused. Also consider the fact that some of them are used
recreationally. Given that context, medicinal marijuana shouldn't
carry the demon reputation some feel obliged to tag it with.

What we could use in this area is a lot more research into the
medicinal properties, and running parallel with that, education for
doctors to know more about possible benefits.

Also, with a better handle on possible applications of the drug,
lawmakers need to address availability and price.
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MAP posted-by: Matt