cannabisnews.com: Case for Marijuana as a Medicine Remains Unproven





Case for Marijuana as a Medicine Remains Unproven
Posted by CN Staff on July 16, 2003 at 10:37:00 PT
By Susan Riley, The Ottawa Citizen 
Source: Ottawa Citizen 
Here's my private, unauthorized, uninformed, instinctive reaction to the case for the medical use of marijuana: "Oh, right."Here's what I would say publicly in, for example, a newspaper column: "Marijuana does ease pain and stimulate appetite, but so do other medications that have the added benefit of not blackening the lungs. So the case that pot, and only pot, is vital to the survival or quality of life of some sick people appears to be a weak one." 
In fact, experts are divided on whether it helps or not. An authoritative U.S. panel concluded that there are limited cases in which marijuana is the best way to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, AIDs, and cancer-related loss of appetite. So wouldn't it be compassionate to set aside doubts -- both about the usefulness of the drug and the credibility of its champions -- and just let sick people smoke up?Yes. But that isn't likely to happen any time soon. The problem isn't only Health Minister Anne McLellan, who has communicated her skepticism and disapproval of the whole marijuana initiative from the beginning. It isn't even her peevish relationship with her predecessor, the more liberal Allan Rock, once a champion of the medical use of marijuana. The problem, as she suggests, is the hypocrisy of a health department approving, much less providing, a substance of dubious efficacy and with possible negative side-effects without serious study. The further hypocrisy, some will argue, is the health department applying this uncompromising principle to as mild a substance as marijuana while more seriously dangerous drugs somehow make in on to the market. But we're not talking about anti-histamines or even that entirely legal, but by no means benign, substance, tobacco. We're talking dope.For a generation that regarded marijuana as a recreation (or a dangerous addiction), it is hard to take it seriously as medicine. Some proponents liken it to a natural remedy and propose it be treated as such: a sort of smokeable echinacea or St. John's Wort. Except that, unlike the previous substances, marijuana has a measurable effect: In the right quantity, in most circumstances, it will make most people high. Echinacea may or may not boost the immune system (recent studies suggest that it doesn't), but it won't induce anyone to weave across a highway or lose the thread of a conversation.Where was I? I was trying to avoid saying the obvious, because it is so uncool and it betrays the spirit of the sixties: Marijuana might not be so good for your health over time. It might not be a good idea to be stoned and to be driving (although this is not new intelligence or, in my case, even second-hand). It might not make sense to clear obstacles for the use of a new drug, even for sick people, when we have finally got one of the bad old ones, tobacco, on the ropes. Finally (and this is the most difficult admission), the insufferably fussy McLellan might be acting responsibly and not just being her usual, conservative, preachy, party-pooping self.On the other hand -- pulling my argument out of a sharp right turn -- what right has government to decide what we do in our spare time, provided we don't hurt anyone else? And you can overstate the health dangers of dope, just as the social consequences were hilariously exaggerated in the days of Reefer Madness. Alcohol and tobacco do far more damage and, unlike marijuana, are more potentially addictive. Junk food is killing more of us faster than marijuana ever could. As for impaired driving, surely tests can be devised to pick up cannabis-related impairment as readily as alcohol? And, last, it doesn't matter what anyone -- me, the U.S. Supreme Court, even Anne McLellan -- says, people are smoking dope all over the place (as close as your own backyard, even) and they are going to keep right on doing so. Sick people, too.They are stuck with a no-win argument. If they get ready access to government-grown marijuana, all the other health concerns come into play -- and are a legitimate question of public policy. If they lose the right to medical use, they can just grow their own. If decriminalization happens, that will earn them a small fine at worst.That said, I do feel sorry for remote Flin Flon, Manitoba. It is the site of the first federal pot farm and has already produced a crop to be used for "research." It is clear what McLellan wants the research to prove: The medical use of marijuana is a scam. Only they'll think of a nicer word. I should, too. Susan Riley writes Monday, Wednesday and Friday.Complete Title: The Case for Using Marijuana as a Medicine Remains UnprovenSource: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)Author: Susan Riley, The Ottawa Citizen Published: Wednesday, July 16, 2003Copyright: 2003 The Ottawa CitizenContact: letters thecitizen.southam.caWebsite: http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/ Related Articles:Toronto MD Quits Medical Marijuana Committeehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16873.shtmlGiving a Graceless Okay To Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16818.shtml 
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 17, 2003 at 21:25:06 PT
afterburner
Thank you for posting the links to Pot-TV Shows. I really appreciate them. I hope Marc doesn't get arrested at the next event. I admire is determination. We're lucky that we have someone who puts his money where his mouth is and is making a difference for us all.
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Comment #14 posted by afterburner on July 17, 2003 at 21:13:35 PT:
Listen to Some Patients, Anne, &Tell How You Feel
The DWVF Video Contest: MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE http://www.pot-tv.net/archive/shows/pottvshowse-1914.html
Drug War Vigil Film Festival with Pot-TV http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1914.ram
Running Time: 18 min 
Date Entered: 29 Apr 2003 
Viewer Rating: 9.31 (26 votes) 
 
Number of Views: 343 
 
Patients Out of Time- Mary & Al Byrne: MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE In memory of Bob Randall; A compassion club story. 
Howardsville, Va, USA
All films posted are part of The Drug War Vigil Video Contest sponsored by Pot TV and Emery Seeds. Please be sure to vote on all films watched to help us pick our winner. Votes will be combined with those taken at the 2nd Annual Toker's Bowl.ego transcendence follows ego destruction, the latest thing in health management is decentralization.
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Comment #13 posted by Richard Paul Zuckerm on July 17, 2003 at 11:51:22 PT:
MY LETTER TO CONGRESSMAN PALLONE
Today, Thursday, July 17, 2003, I personally delivered a prepared letter asking for the decriminalization of Marijuana, to the "legislative office" of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., who is the only member from New Jersey of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Health. This letter had a heavy duty staple attaching the letter to various documents printed from www.cannabisnews.com, www.cannabisculture.com, www.hightimes.com, on the studies supporting medical Cannabis. AT LEAST I TRY!! I don't simply sit around griping that one vote does not make a difference!! I write and telephone State Legislators and Congresspeople asking:[1] FOR DECRIMINALIZATION OF CANNABIS;[2] AGAINST FUNDING THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
$100 million which they want to use for militarization of police in the spirit of Operation Garden Plot ["to assist local law enforcement"], to develop non-lethal weapons so they can continue to provoke violence at protests to douse us with non-lethal weapons, while military personnel wait at the hospitals to jot down notes on the harmful effects of the nonlethal weapons, using us as human experiments, an attempt to quash our Right to dissent, to force their corporate agenda down our throats, especially for the Republic National Convention coming to New York City next year;[3] VOTE AGAINST FUNDING THE UNITED NATIONS, which supports "The New World Order", because the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights does not have a freedom of speech [we can't talk about abortion], does not have a Right to keep and bear arms, does not have a Right against unreasonable searches and seizures without a warrant, does not have a Right against self-incrimination, DOES NOT HAVE A TRIAL BY JURY. In short, falling under United Nations rule would enslave us![4] To improve the curriculum of government school so that the students are taught the dark side of government, to offer students martial arts and weapons training, so that they become fully informed, competent, citizens upon graduation. See, e.g., www.johntaylorgatto.com; 10 U.S.C. Section 311 [defining the "unorganized milita" as every able bodied male between 17 and 45 years of age].[5] To repeal most of the gun laws, for the reasons stated in www.jpfo.org, e.g.: (a) every genocide of the 20th century began with gun control laws, (b) Adolph Hitler killed more people who were NOT Jewish, (c) most crimes are committed by criminals who obtained firearms under the table, (d) the government is immune from civil liablity for failure to show up at the scene of a crime, (e) drug laws are used to obliterate our Second Amendment Rights.Today, I also e-mailed Senator Biden to thank him for setting the DEA straight on the RAVE Act.Richard Paul Zuckerman, Box 159, Metuchen, N.J., 08840-0159, (Cell telephone number)(908) 403-6990, richardzuckerman2002 yahoo.com.Member of: www.norml.org; www.normlnj.org; www.cannabisculture.com; www.hightimes.com; www.fija.org; www.jpfo.org; www.greenparty.org; www.njlp.org.Diploma in Paralegal, New York University, 2003;Diploma in Truck Driving, Smith & Solomon School of Truck Driving, Edison, N.J., 1995;B.A. in Political Science, Kean University, 1987.
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Comment #12 posted by mayan on July 16, 2003 at 16:46:56 PT
Uninformed
Susan Riley definitely hit the nail on the head in her first sentence of this article. She certainly does have an "uninformed, instinctive reaction" to the case for the medical use of marijuana!It all boils down to freedom. Are we free...or are we not?
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 16, 2003 at 15:13:00 PT
JHarshaw 
Thank you! We have a fine group of very intelligent and thoughtful people and that makes CNews work I believe. 
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Comment #10 posted by JHarshaw on July 16, 2003 at 14:48:35 PT
FoM
Hi.You've hit the nail squarely on the head with your last comment! As long as they can delay or prevent real, meaningful  research then Ms. McLellan can keep spouting the same old rubbish and, no doubt having some poor uninformed people believe her.We need to keep pushing the truth at them whether they like it or not! Letters to the Editor are great. Even cornering someone at a party and laying a few facts out will push our cause just that little bit further.This website is invaluable and I really appreciate the work you put into it.Peace and PotJubal
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Comment #9 posted by freedom fighter on July 16, 2003 at 14:06:34 PT
What's so healthy?
Marijuana might not be so good for your health over time.And you are not so sure, neither are your "experts" are so sure.. I am pretty sure that sitting in a cage for carrying a plant in his pocket is far more unhealthy than smoking a pack of marijuana a day. Especially for a person who is sick.Sick twithead!pazff
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Comment #8 posted by ben on July 16, 2003 at 13:22:49 PT
whos working for who
When I read drival like this I can only think she must be 
trying to get a promotion from her pulp and paper newspaper
baron boss when will the ignorant learn!
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Comment #7 posted by afterburner on July 16, 2003 at 13:12:31 PT:
Calling Health Minister Anne McLellan
Discovery Channel on Marijuana Decrimilization http://www.pot-tv.net/archive/shows/pottvshowse-1963.html
Newshawks with Pot-TV http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1963.ram
Running Time: 5 min 
Date Entered: 14 May 2003 
Viewer Rating: 9.61 (26 votes) 
 
Number of Views: 1832 
 
"The Discovery Channel talks to Dr. Mitch Earleywine about Canada's movement towards decrimilization and the actual scientific research into the health effects of marijuana."ego transcendence follows ego destruction, do more studies if you must, but stop discounting existing research; you are betraying your ignorance and the medical cannabis patients who depend on your leadership. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 16, 2003 at 12:15:18 PT
Many Things Remain Unproven
When people use the word unproven they think that's enough. It's not enough. That's when a person should dig a little deeper and ask why something isn't proven. Cannabis isn't proven as medicine because they won't acknowledge any of the studies. That's the way they want it. They won't allow studies to go forward because they know the results will clear Cannabis. That's reality!
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Comment #5 posted by Virgil on July 16, 2003 at 11:58:13 PT
Plain stupid
Letter to the Editor- This is to inform you the rubbish of Susan Riley titled "Case for Marijuana as a Medicine Remains Unproven" in a display of pure propaganda or total ignorance appeared at http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread16877.shtml You may want to read the comments of people educated in the cannabis perspective think of this nonsense.The prohibitionists use the stupid logic "There is another medicine that will help with anything cannabis does." First this is not true and secondly, so what. There was always aspirin but then came Tylenol and Advil. You have another example of plain stupidity introduced into the discussion.Then you have the side effect issue. Are you kidding me. Look at the addictive nature of almost every pain killer and anti-depressant and others on the market. Cannabis is as benign as you can get and is not physically addictive with smoking having minute effects over many decades. Smoking it does not cause cancer as the prohibitionist propaganda likes to represent to the ignorant. You cannot change my mind with bullshit. All this writer has done is prove he needs another profession or maybe stick to writing fiction like this article that takes place in a land of make-believe. Just wait until GW Pharmacueticals has their warning label of cannabis extracts hit the market. It will say be careful until you can adjust to the high. Now compare that to the full sheet of paper that comes with most drugs from the pill companies. The FDA definition of medicine is that the substance has to be better than nothing and some medicines are even worse than nothing. Look at AZT. The FDA and Congress are bought and paid for with money extracted by extortion of sick people at the hands of pill companies. It is all lies, bullshit, and obfuscation covered with a layer of stupidity to make a Treason Pie.Cannabis Prohibition is alive because the ignorant are drowned with bullshit. 
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Comment #4 posted by afterburner on July 16, 2003 at 11:54:20 PT:
Another Voice for Media Fairness on Cannabis
CN BC: OPED: In My View: Media Needs To Change The Way It Reports Drug Busts 14 Jul 2003 
Coquitlam Now, The (CN BC) 
http://www.mapinc.org/ccnews/v03/n1066/a08.html
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on July 16, 2003 at 11:31:48 PT
Cannabis is More Then Fun or Medicine
Cannabis is medicinal. When you ask a friend if the medicine that their doctor put them on seems to help you often don't get an answer that is yes or no but well maybe.Medical patients that use Cannabis always say it helps them and you never hear a well maybe.What is wrong with relaxation? Why is wanting to smoke a little Cannabis wrong if a person has control over their own destiny? Why isn't personal freedom important?
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Comment #2 posted by afterburner on July 16, 2003 at 11:24:08 PT:
Blaaaah!!!
This writer is highly insulting to medical cannabis patients and bases her biased attitude on speculation and irrational comparisons. Her opening statement is an immediate giveaway, "Oh, right." This emotional and uninformed reaction is the result of years of brainwashing by prohibitionist propaganda. I gritted my teeth, hoping that some ray of truth would emerge from her rambling diatribe. Although she mentions a US panel's concusions that "marijuana is the best way to relieve symptoms of multiple sclerosis, AIDs, and cancer-related loss of appetite," the fact is lost in a torrent of name-calling and mud-slinging. It's a shame people actually get paid to write such tripe. It belongs in a letter to the editor. It doesn't have enough juice even to qualify as an editorial opinion. The term "dope" is most especially offensive, denoting as it does not only a narcotic, which cannabis is NOT, but also a stupid person. We are not dopes!ego transcendence follows ego destruction, if you can find a glimmer of the former in this article, good luck, since it mainly caters to the latter.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on July 16, 2003 at 10:42:10 PT
News Article from Snipped Source
Medical Treatment or Road To a High? Proof May Be in The Pot 
Susan Martinuk, The Province Wednesday, July 16, 2003 
 
Health Canada employees are busy packing marijuana into hundreds of baggies for distribution to doctors who may wish to prescribe pot to their patients.Handing dope over to doctors is another world first in public policy for Canada but, in keeping with our current health care standards, it likely won't be good medicine for anyone.So why are we doing it? To appease the courts --which apparently are directing health-care policies in Canada.Marijuana has no proven scientific benefit, yet three years ago an Ontario court ruled that the terminally ill should be able to use marijuana for pain relief. But the purchase of marijuana remained illegal and consequently an Ontario Superior Court ruled early this year that it was unconstitutional for the government to withhold access to 'medical' marijuana. The court gave Ottawa six months to comply.Last week, Health Minister Anne McLellan announced that doctors would be the new distribution system. Physicians would essentially become dealers for a drug that is unproven in terms of benefits and untested for medical use. No wonder the president of the B.C. Medical Association called the decision "horrifying and mind-boggling."Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.canada.com/search/story.aspx?id=8b2632cf-5995-4b8d-8dda-29a8b7ca9777
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