Pubdate: Wed, 04 Apr 2001 Source: South Florida Sun Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2001 Sun-Sentinel Co & South Florida Interactive, Inc Contact: http://southflorida.sun-sentinel.com/services/letters_editor.htm Website: http://www.sun-sentinel.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1326 Author: Tom Barrus FALLACIES IN EDITORIAL ON BENEFICIAL USES OF POT Re the March 28 editorial, "Medicinal marijuana a minefield": The editors claimed, "While various studies of pot's medical benefits are under way, the drive to legalize marijuana is based almost entirely on anecdotal testimony of sick people." This is a false statement. As a pharmacist, I know that cannabis is the most heavily studied of any drug. Numerous scientific studies attest to its efficacy in acting to stimulate appetite, treat nausea and vomiting, lower blood pressure (while increasing heart rate), treat glaucoma, treat muscle spasms accompanying multiple sclerosis, ease intractable chronic pain, and other medical benefits. The editors said, "The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is already available by prescription in pill form." There are many active ingredients in cannabis besides THC. CBD is one of the more studied components, showing anticonvulsant activity. CBD is not available in pill form. The editors said, "Studies have documented the similarity in marijuana addiction, and difficulty of withdrawal, to that of heroin or cocaine. Drug experts consider marijuana a 'gateway' drug that opens the door to experimentation with more harmful illegal drugs." Cannabis is not physically addicting, nor is it a gateway drug. The real addictive gateway drugs are cigarettes and beer. The editors should seek instruction from competent doctors and pharmacists to help them overcome their bigotry and prejudice toward cannabis and their blind denial of the fact that the most deadly and dangerous drugs are tobacco and alcohol. Tom Barrus Golden, CO - --- MAP posted-by: Beth