Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jun 2001
Source: Red Deer Advocate (CN AB)
Copyright: 2001 Red Deer Advocate
Contact:  http://www.reddeeradvocate.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2492
Author: Paul Cowley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

SAY NO TO MARIJUANA

A medical committee is recommending medical marijuana not be used in David 
Thompson Health Region facilities.

The pharmacy and therapeutics committee was asked to look into medicinal 
marijuana after the federal government approved its use in April, but 
provided no guidelines for hospitals.

'They made the recommendation, based upon available evidence, that medical 
marijuana not be used in our facility,' said Dr. Dave Dawson, the health 
region's vice-president of medicine.

The region's medical advisory committee agreed.

The palliative care committee is also looking into the issue, but has not 
yet reported back.

Recommendations will be forwarded to a senior management committee for 
their recommendation. The health region board will make the final decision.

At least two patients admitted to the hospital were legally entitled to 
smoke marijuana under government regulations, which came into effect after 
July 30. They were asked to puff in the normal smoking areas.

Dr. Robert Halse, chief of medical staff, said medical research has shown 
that marijuana is not as useful as some expected.

'At best, it was a weak pain killer.'

There is no evidence to suggest medicinal marijuana is better than existing 
drugs.

Halse said the federal government should have done more research before 
approving marijuana use.

'I think they probably could have had more consultation with medical 
associations, both nationally and provincially, before setting up the 
system they did,' he said.

Dawson said there is little information for doctors to go by when 
prescribing marijuana.

Standard doses have not been determined.

The lack of clinical guidelines makes it difficult for doctors to advise 
patients about the drug. The Canadian and Alberta medical associations do 
not support medicinal marijuana regulations.

Any ban on medical marijuana use by the health region would only apply to 
its facilities, Dawson said.

'We're not dealing with the matter of physicians prescribing it,' he said. 
Dawson couldn't predict when the region's senior management committee would 
make its recommendation.

Under the federal regulations, people suffering from severe forms of 
arthritis have the right to possess and smoke marijuana legally if they can 
prove they can't be treated with other drugs to alleviate relentless pain. 
The regulations also allow terminally ill people as well as those with 
AIDS, multiple sclerosis, spinal-cord injuries, epilepsy and other serious 
conditions to have the drug prescribed if it eases their symptoms.