Pubdate: Wed, 01 Aug 2001 Source: Prince George Citizen (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Prince George Citizen Contact: http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/350 Author: Karen Kwan Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada) DOCS NOT RUSHING TO INK POT PRESCRIPTIONS Prince George doctors say they're in no hurry to hand out prescriptions for medical marijuana, even though the federal government has relaxed the law for some patients. Amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which took effect Monday, expand the use of medical marijuana to terminally ill people and those with chronic illness or pain if it eases their symptoms. Patients first need approval from a doctor and from Health Canada to grow the plants or designate someone to do it for them. Dr. Bert Kelly, a general practitioner and vice-president of the Northern Medical Society, said the medical community is hesitant to approve a drug without extensive tests for effectiveness. "I think most physicians, certainly in Prince George, would be slow to be involved in this program," he said. "I think we'd want guidelines from the BCMA (B.C. Medical Association)." The Canadian Medical Association says the speedy enactment of the new regulations precludes thorough testing of marijuana use. The association has recommended doctors not become involved in supplying the drug and warned of possible legal liability. Proponents of medical marijuana maintain the drug is effective in alleviating pain and nausea. However, Kelly said he's not familiar with the plant's medical properties. "I haven't studied the question personally. I don't know what advantages cannabis holds over the prescription drugs that are available," he said. A number of patients with AIDS have expressed a desire for medical marijuana, said Mary Jackson, education coordinator with AIDS Prince George. "We definitely have clients who are interested in using it," she said, although she couldn't say how many. Despite the new legislation, Jackson said it's still not easy for patients to obtain the drug. Health Canada has established a marijuana cultivation centre in Manitoba, with the first harvest expected this fall, but purchasing pot from other sources is still illegal. Some people with HIV/AIDS have a limited income and must spend money on quality food to maintain their health, Jackson said. Meanwhile, the B.C. Marijuana Party is proceeding with plans to establish a "compassion network" in Prince George by the end of the year to distribute marijuana at low cost to medical users, said party president Marc Emery. The city is one of nine B.C. communities, as well as Edmonton, that will be linked to the distribution network by December, he said. With a letter from a doctor, acknowledging the patient finds marijuana helpful, people will be able to buy pot for as little as $7.50 per gram _ marijuana sells for about $12 to $15 per gram on the street, he said. Changes to the legislation come after the Ontario Court of Appeals ruled, in July 2000, that prohibition of marijuana for medical use was unconstitutional. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager