Pubdate: Fri, 27 Apr 2012
Source: Nelson Star (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/4kNvY8sy
Website: http://www.bclocalnews.com/kootenay_rockies/nelsonstar/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4866
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?135 (Drug Education)

EDUCATION SERIES IN NELSON TACKLES MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

Community First Health Co-op opened its community education series 
with a frank and informative session on the benefits and risks of 
medical marijuana with Dr. Joel Kailia of Community First Medical Clinic.

Dr. Kailia shared his findings from his extensive review of the 
limited existing research and his desire to know much more to be able 
to work with the residents of our communities on the use of marijuana 
as an effective pain medication.

Participants from all walks of life learned valuable information to 
consider in the use of marijuana. The informal presentation provided 
the attendees opportunity to clarify the information with many questions.

"The research would suggest that there is indication of benefit for 
folks with chronic pain, particularly those confronting cancer and MS 
in conjunction with narcotic and non-narcotic pain medications," he said.

Dr. Kailia said he would recommend that chemo treatments be a part of 
the cancer treatment process. However, Dr. Kailia advised against 
smoking marijuana because of potential damage to the heart and lungs. 
Vaporization, baking and synthetic cannabinoids are possible ways to 
reduce this risk.

Dr. Kailia also pointed out that the content of marijuana available 
in the region is a much higher level of potency than used in the 
research settings. The decision to use medical marijuana can best be 
made with your physician weighing your personal risk factors.

Community First Health Co-op's free education series takes place from 
noon to 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at 518 Lake 
Street in the Stoddart Education Room.

If you have a suggestion for an education session to promote well 
being and increasing the quality of life for residents in our 
community, let them know at  or drop off in the 
mail slot of the Health Co-op office.

Dr. Kevin Mackenzie, of Community Chiropractic, will be presenting 
useful information to support those living with lower back pain on May 9.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom