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 - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin