Pubdate: Tue, 11 Dec 2012
Source: Nanaimo Daily News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2012 Nanaimo Daily News
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/nanaimodailynews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1608
Author: Darrell Bellaart

COMPASSION CLUBS HAPPY TO HAVE DOCTORS MAKE CALL ON MEDICINAL POT

Giving physicians control over who can get medical marijuana would be
welcomed by operators of Nanaimo's newest compassion club, but some
doctors worry about the move.

Health Canada recently consulted doctors on giving them sole authority
to issue medical marijuana licences to patients. Proponents say
cannabis is useful to treat pain, nausea and as an appetite stimulant
for such conditions as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis. Users
must have a licence from Health Canada to legally own or grow small
quantities of the drug.

Under the current system doctors complete licensing forms, which are
sent to Health Canada for final authorization, a process that can take
months.

Health Canada recently consulted the Canadian Medical Association on
whether doctors should become the sole "gatekeeper" for medical
cannabis use.

The Nanaimo Division of Family Practice "doesn't have a strong
opinion" on the issue, said Leslie Keenan, spokeswoman for the group.

But Crystal Swadden, who shares ownership of Paradise Island
Compassion Society with her husband, Danny, said the change is a
logical step.

"Doctors see your pain. Doctors have to fill out your forms anyway and
send them to Health Canada, it's just a long procedure, when the
doctor can do it themselves," Swadden said.

To get medical marijuana a patient needs a licence under Canada's
Medical Marijuana Access Regulations, requiring a doctor's signature.
In June the CMA sent a survey out to 2,249 members on medicinal pot.
Of those who responded, 35 per cent refused to sign the forms. On its
website, the association says doctors object to being put in the
"untenable position of being gatekeepers" for an untested drug.

"There is minimal evidence to support marijuana use," said Dr. Paddy
Mark of Nanaimo.

"I don't do it. Some doctors do (but) there are no solid studies to
(support) medical marijuana."

She called it "another mood-altering drug that a lot of people like,
but as far as I'm concerned, it's not a prescription medicine." The
Health Canada changes would make little difference, since "it's been
in the hands of physicians for a while," she said.

Danny Swadden, of Paradise Island Compassion Society, disagrees with
Dr. Mark's assessment of medical marijuana.

"I don't understand that," Swadden said. "We have people in
wheelchairs that are walking, people with MS."

"Anyone who doesn't believe it should come and spend a day," said
Crystal Swadden.
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MAP posted-by: Matt