Pubdate: Sat, 27 May 2000
Source: Times Record (ME)
Copyright: 1999 Times Record Inc., ASC Inc
Contact:  6 Industry Road, Brunswick, Maine 04011
Website: http://www.timesrecord.com/
Bookmark: additional articles on medicinal cannabis may be found at 
http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm

MARIJUANA AS ORAL SPRAY

Three years ago, the New England Journal of Medicine editorialized in favor 
of the medicinal value of marijuana, and there is ample evidence that 
marijuana can reduce nausea and vomiting among people undergoing 
chemotherapy, stimulate the appetites of people with AIDS, and help those 
with muscle spasms from chronic diseases like epilepsy.

Last fall, Maine voters approved the use of marijuana if approved by 
physician, and a task force is now at work trying to develop a workable 
distribution system — but there are problems. The federal government has 
promised to crack down on physicians prescribing marijuana. Another concern 
is the issue of potency and purity. If marijuana is to be treated like a 
medicine, it should be dispensed in known doses.

Enter a new oral "marijuana spray" being developed by a British 
pharmaceutical firm. It is similar to an asthma inhaler, and is said to 
work efficiently. The company wants to conduct clinical trials in Maine. 
That's a good plan. If it proves to be as effective as advertised, 
marijuana could truly be dispensed as a medicine — which is a far cry from 
providing certain people a get-out-of-jail-free card for marijuana law 
violations.
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