Pubdate: Mon, 06 Nov 2000
Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)
Copyright: 2000, The Globe and Mail Company
Contact:  http://www.globeandmail.ca/
Forum: http://forums.theglobeandmail.com/
Author: Alan C. Ogborne

The Straight Dope

London, Ont. -- Jim Wakeford (A Harvest And A Celebration -- Facts and 
Arguments, Nov. 2) does the cause of medical marijuana a disservice. While 
he undoubtedly finds that smoking marijuana provides relief from 
AIDS-related symptoms, it is also clear that he and his friends use 
marijuana for both medical and social purposes. Otherwise he would be 
looking forward to the day when any medically useful ingredients of 
marijuana could be synthesized and made available in a form that does not 
need to be smoked and does not make you feel high.

Pills containing marijuana's main active ingredient (THC) are already 
available and it seems likely THC and other active ingredients could be 
used in nasal sprays. Efforts to minimize side effects such as changes in 
perception and mood are also being made. While Mr. Wakeford and his friends 
may drool over coloured pictures of marijuana plants, it seems unlikely 
that they will have the same enthusiasm for pictures of pills and nasal 
sprays. Will they, however, continue to regard the smoking of a substance 
containing carcinogens and mind-altering chemicals as medicinal?
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