Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jan 2014
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2014 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n088/a09.html
Author: Jim Ferguson
Page: A16

'REEFER MADNESS' MENTALITY IS OUTDATED

Re: Doubts remain on medical marijuana, Letter Jan. 24

Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti appears to be either disingenuous, in the
pocket of Big Pharma, or has his head buried somewhere. Medical
marijuana when it is prescribed is done so for cancer patients, those
suffering glaucoma or chronic pain as well as some neurological conditions.

The good doctor should be aware of the scientific studies being
conducted in Israel and the United States to judge the efficacy and
safety of marijuana before he takes up a position to stifle the use of
marijuana.

Over the last three generations government and law enforcement has
demonized marijuana use and clearly the leadership of the Canadian
Medical Association has been convinced of the "Reefer Madness" message
that was used for this demonization.

The irony of this position becomes obvious when you realize the
federal government has changed the rules to enable corporations to
take over the growing and distribution on medical marijuana.The effect
of this will be a hefty price increase and even more
bureaucracy.

Dr. Francescutti claims the welfare of the patient is the goal of this
approach but he doesn't have a solution for the patient with chronic
pain or the cancer patient. There are doctors out there who have taken
a slow approach to the use of marijuana but are seeing the positive
side of its use despite the stance of the CMA.

Marijuana has been used for hundreds of years and while there may be
some people who have suffered side effects, just watch any televised
ad by Big Pharma and judge if marijuana is any different.

Jim Ferguson, Mississauga
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MAP posted-by: Matt