Pubdate: Fri, 29 Nov 2002 Source: Post-Star, The (NY) Section: Local-Region, Letters Page: B7, overflow letters from editorial section, Page A7 Copyright: 2002 Glens Falls Newspapers Inc. Contact: http://www.poststar.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1068 Note: The writer represents a state-funded agency in Warren and Washington Counties, NY, whose mission statement (at http://www.councilforprevention.org/about.cfm ) states that the agency is principally involved in making referrals for treatment for alcohol and drug abuse and "partnering with agencies outside the substance abuse field to insure that our communities...are able to identify chemical abuse in their service population as soon as possible." Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/props.htm (Ballot Initiatives) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion) EDUCATION NEEDED ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA Editor: Legalization of medical marijuana has received an increasing amount of attention and support since 1996, particularly as politicians have jumped on the pro-legalization bandwagon and patients have attested to the benefits derived from using marijuana to relieve symptoms of chronic and terminal illnesses. There are varying opinions on this controversial subject and those in favor of legalization have succeeded in making their voices heard. What is lacking is a straightforward answer on whether marijuana can serve a valuable role in the medical management of terminal illness. The evidence supporting the use of medical marijuana is clearly anecdotal. The federal government supports limited research on medical marijuana that must follow well-defined protocols outlined by the Food and Drug Administration and no clear evidence has emerged. Therefore the federal government has not passed legislation allowing marijuana to be used for medicinal purposes. Many states have passed legislation allowing for broader research of marijuana, but without federal authorization, research programs are not legal and researchers are subject to prosecution by federal authorities. The federal government's answer to medical marijuana is Marinol, a physician-prescribed medication containing the active ingredient in marijuana that relieves nausea and vomiting in chemotherapy patients, and improves the appetite of those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Marinol was introduced in 1986 and has been met with mixed reviews. In addition to improving appetite, it can also produce similar effects of smoking marijuana, including reduced concentration and coordination, hallucinations, and a tired, groggy feeling. Throughout 2003, the Council for Prevention for Alcohol and Substance Abuse, in conjunction with Warren/Washington Counties Prevention Cooperative will be undertaking the challenge of sorting through the abundance of information available on the medical and recreational use of marijuana, in order to separate fact from fiction and dispel the many myths that surround the drug period. Several facts are already certain. Adolescent usage of marijuana in Warren and Washington counties is increasing. Teenagers are reporting that it is easier to obtain marijuana than alcohol. This has negative implications for schools trying to educate teens under the influence as well as area employers who cannot find a workforce which can pass drug tests designed to insure a safe working environment. It is all too easy to get caught up in the rhetoric of both sides of this issue. Further education, continued research and thoughtful consideration is needed while the debate to legalize medical marijuana rages on. Jennifer Wood, for the Community Education Department, the Council for Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Abuse - --- MAP posted-by: Jackl