Pubdate: Thu, 08 Apr 2010
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Ronald Weir

LET THE PHARMACIES DISPENSE POT

Re: Nine charged in raid on medical pot outlet, April 3

The recent raid on CALM, the medical marijuana compassion club, has 
created concern among both the legtimate users of the drug and the 
operators of the club. But this situation need never have arisen.

Every day, pharmacies dispense drugs, including narcotics, which, in 
the absence of a prescription, would be illegal to possess. What, 
then, is so special about marijuana that it cannot be dealt with in 
the same manner? To be sure, there have to be controls on the potency 
and purity of the substance; but that requirement is no different 
from controls on other medicines. Certainly, major pharmaceutical 
companies could be trusted to produce a quality product.

And even if the government chose to be the sole producer of medical 
marijuana, why could it not then distribute it to pharmacies, which 
would place their orders on the basis of prescriptions and permits 
presented to them?

If medical marijuana were treated like any other prescription 
medication, these compassion clubs would not even be necessary.

Ronald Weir, Thornhill
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart