Pubdate: Fri, 18 Jan 2008
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2008 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n055/a08.html
Author: David Saul

Hang Onto Your Roach Clip:

THE POT DEBATE IS HEATING UP

Re: Why Marijuana Shouldn't Be Legal, letter to the editor, Jan 16.

Letter-writer Dr. Chris Sedergreen attempts to provide the latest 
pharmacological data on cannabinoid preparations. However, he places 
far too great an emphasis on the pain management qualities of 
Nabilone, approved for nausea in cancer chemotherapy treatments. To 
clarify, there are two other drugs available: Marinol - THC in an 
oral pill format - has been approved for nausea and weight loss in 
cancer and AIDS patients, but its pain reduction benefit is limited 
due to stomach absorption; and Sativex (THC and CDB), approved in 
Canada for severe pain caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer. The 
latter is sprayed into the mouth, so as to avoid lung inhalation or 
ingestion, and can achieve improved pain relief in some chronic pain 
conditions.

However, all three drugs are very costly, cannot produce a "high" or 
"stoned" state in users and pale in comparison to inhaled marijuana 
for pain management. Just ask the medicinal marijuana users, 
especially my Fibromyalgia patients.

Dr. David Saul, Toronto.