Pubdate: Sat, 11 Dec 2004
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Knight Ridder
Contact:  http://www.contracostatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/96
Author: Rich Kinney
Cited: Raich v. Ashcroft ( www.angeljustice.org/ )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CLINICAL TESTS FIRST

After it has been clinically proven that marijuana has positive
medicinal effects, then it should be determined if it's the chemical
THC in the plant or the inhaling sensation accompanied by the euphoric
high that is effective.

If it's THC, then it should work just as well in a pill or capsule
form. However, if it's the inhaling of the leaves and buds that alone
can bring the positive medicinal effects, then we must consider
another question.

Is there any other method of producing, packaging and dispensing the
drug remedy with the same supposed positive results so that the
patients have easy access to it as with other prescription drugs?

I believe the Supreme Court should not allow marijuana use in any
state at any level until it has been thoroughly tested and proven
useful by a federal government agency, and the Food and Drug
Administration must monitor and regulate it similar to other drugs.

If marijuana is not proven clinically to provide documented healing
properties, then it should not be allowed to be used legally. It
should have to get federal approval to be produced and marketed like
alcoholic beverages.

Rich Kinney

San Pablo
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin