cannabisnews.com: First Clinical Pot Trial To Use U.S. Stash










  First Clinical Pot Trial To Use U.S. Stash

Posted by CN Staff on October 10, 2002 at 07:42:59 PT
By Brian Laghi 
Source: Globe and Mail  

Canada's first clinical study on the use of medicinal marijuana will use cannabis grown in the United States while a large, Canadian-grown stash of the drug sits on ice. The United States National Institute on Drug Abuse has agreed to supply the drug for a Toronto-based trial, even though that country's drug czar disapproves of the program.
Meanwhile, about 200 kilograms of cannabis grown with Ottawa's sanction in an abandoned Manitoba mine sits in storage and will not be used on patients, Health Canada says."It's ridiculous," said Alan Young, a Toronto lawyer who is fighting the federal government in court, arguing that regulations controlling the use of medical marijuana violate constitutional rights.He wants the Canadian-grown drug, created as part of a $5.7-million, five-year federal contract by Prairie Plant Systems, released for domestic use."It really begs the question why they've awarded this contract in the first place."The clinical study will be conducted by the Community Research Initiative of Toronto in partnership with St. Michael's Hospital and the Canadian HIV Trials Network.A spokesman for the community research organization, Derek Thaczuk, said it inquired about using the Canadian cannabis, but was told by Health Canada that the strains were not adequate.Mr. Thaczuk said the trial, expected to start within two weeks, will include 32 patients with HIV infection. It is intended to look at whether the drug can stimulate appetite and weight gain in the patients, and will take place over a six-month period.Mr. Thaczuk said the group did not want to wait for the Canadian cannabis because it has been working for two years to get the project off the ground. The U.S. institute was able to provide the drug in four different dosage strengths -- a requirement for the study -- while the quality of the Canadian drug was not known.The director of the U.S. national drug policy, John Walters, has spoken out strongly against the medicinal marijuana program and decriminalizing the drug.Health Canada spokesman Andrew Swift said the drug that has already been grown in Flin Flon, Man., will not be used on patients, although it may be used in studies of second-hand marijuana smoke. Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)Author: Brian LaghiPublished: Thursday, October 10, 2002 – Print Edition, Page A6Copyright: 2002 The Globe and Mail CompanyContact: letters globeandmail.caWebsite: http://www.globeandmail.ca/Related Articles & Web Site:Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmSt. Mike's Study Probes Role of Medical Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14404.shtmlCanada's First Marijuana Study to Begin http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14393.shtml

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Comment #9 posted by afterburner on October 10, 2002 at 11:26:42 PT:
second-hand marijuana smoke?
Health Canada spokesman Andrew Swift said the drug that has already been grown in Flin Flon, Man., will not be used on patients, although it may be used in studies of second-hand marijuana smoke.They give with one hand: 817 medical marijuana exemptions, and take away with the other: wasting high-grade marijuana on "studies of second-hand marijuana smoke." Talk about an experiment with a self-fulfilling outcome! Who proposed these studies, John Walters? Asa Hutchinson? Are they doctors? Are they Canadians?
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Comment #8 posted by malleus on October 10, 2002 at 09:08:48 PT
I'm no grower, so don't diss me
But couldn't it be possible to determine which Flin Flon cannabis varieties were which? Can't they do gas chromatography, determine the strain with the highest THC available (or determine which combination of THC/CBD is useful for which condition) and clone it?To use Uncle Sam's ditchweed as it's packaged and force the sick to use it is nothing short of torture. 
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Comment #7 posted by Windminstrel on October 10, 2002 at 08:27:38 PT
that's pretty transparent, isn't it?
There's more than enough documentation about the poor quality of NIDA-dispensed pot -- which is exactly what the government wants. The health minister has admitted that she's reluctant to allow medical cannabis without "proper research" -- even though she's slowing down that very research. What a blantant ploy to mess up the results.My hope is that the researchers will do a proper test of potency to make sure the US-supplied stuff isn't industrial hemp or something.
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Comment #6 posted by p4me on October 10, 2002 at 08:19:33 PT
Free that Cannabis, you criminals
"It's ridiculous," said Alan YoungHow much more accurately could you state the situation?... that country's drug czar disapproves of the program.Wasn't it about 6 months ago when the professional liar and propagandist Walters, commissioned one study with a California group, saying we are going to prove it is not medicine once and for all? The direct quote from LB&O.sux of Walters reaction is, "The only way we can keep our lies alive is to shut down the Internet. It is a matter of National Security." Get some lithium, Walters.Meanwhile, about 200 kilograms of cannabis grown with Ottawa's sanction in an abandoned Manitoba mine sits in storage and will not be used on patients, Health Canada says.Does anyone remember the James Bond film and song titled, "Diamonds are Forever." Well at the end of the movie they show the satellite going around the earth that has the treasure of diamonds on it, when the heroin ask the last question of the movie to James, James Bond. The movie ends when she asks, "How are we going to get those diamonds down, James." 500 pounds of 13%THC MJ in Canada has to make you wonder how are we going to fire that bad boy up. Maybe we should start with a fire for the politicians and see what happens. Turn up the heat for November 5th and kill a few of the living lies.DAD-D,1,2
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Comment #4 posted by knox42897 on October 10, 2002 at 08:02:19 PT:

PROTEST RALLY TODAY
Who:      NRLE, the campaign to pass Question 9What:     A rally to support Question 9. Assemblywoman Chris Giunchiliangi will             
          be tapping a segment opposite the Federal Drug Czar on John 
          Ralston's show, "day one" on channel 8.When:     THURSDAY, October 10, 2002. 11:00 a.m. PRESS EVENT.
          Supporters please arrive by 10:15 a.m.Where:    Near the Channel 8 Studios. 3228 Channel 8 Drive, the cross streets 
          are paradise and convention center drive. We will meet outside the 
          parking garage and assemble on the sidewalk near the studios. We will 
          validate your parking ticket.Why:      To show our support for Question 9 and courageous spokespeople like 
          Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani. Nevadans DON'T appreciate the 
          Federal Government coming into our state and telling us how to vote on 
          Question 9. This is YOUR chance to be part of this historic effort. Look 
          professional-- the dress is business casual. We will have signs on hand 
          for supports to wave.

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Comment #2 posted by Had Enough on October 10, 2002 at 07:56:41 PT

More Studies
All the studies already done, they still can't pass the exam. Shame Shame Shame.
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Comment #1 posted by BGreen on October 10, 2002 at 07:51:50 PT

The US is prophylactically sabotaging the studies
Using US grown schwag instead of 10% THC Canadian grown. I hope they scream loudly about the stems and seeds!!!
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