Pubdate: Sat, 11 Jul 2015
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact: http://www.edmontonsun.com/letter-to-editor
Website: http://www.edmontonsun.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/135
Page: 14

INCREASE RESEARCH ON MEDICAL POT

Chew 'em if you've got 'em. That was the message this week from 
Health Canada, which officially changed its rules around what 
approved medicinal pot producers can offer. Licensed growers can now 
offer concentrated cannabis oil, fresh marijuana buds and leaves 
needed to make edible products.

The shipping will be controlled, including child-resistant packaging.

It's an approach that makes sense, in the middle of a debate that 
often doesn't.

Health Minister Rona Ambrose seemed out of step last month when she 
said she was "outraged" by the Supreme Court's decision to strike 
down the prohibition on forms of medical marijuana other than dried leaves.

"Outraged" that an already legal treatment to alleviate pain and 
nausea will now be available in other forms? This isn't legalization 
or even normalizing marijuana, as Ambrose cast it, although there are 
legitimate concerns about what that would mean.

But are we really going to object to a terminally ill Canadian having 
a brownie?

There's evidence different forms of marijuana are more appropriate 
for some conditions and ages. In that context, the health minister 
made a valid point.

She and many doctors contend the medical effects of marijuana haven't 
received adequate scientific study.

Doctors say they feel they're being asked to prescribe something 
without the information they need. Their predicament is exacerbated 
by the presence of those eager to capitalize on the medical marijuana 
industry in this country. What we have now is the Wild West.

There's a new frontier being coveted from all corners, including 
high-profile business types. But there's not enough information to 
satisfy the experts, let alone the doubters. So let's address the 
issue head-on. The government has the opportunity to play a leading 
role - along with its private partners - in directing research into 
marijuana's medicinal properties and ensuring it is safe and effective.

Health Canada says it's not its job to fund clinical trials - it 
can't, to avoid a conflict of interest. Fair enough, but let's get 
the trials done for which the medical profession has been asking. 
Let's take this debate out of the realm of rhetoric and salesmanship, 
and make it about the sick Canadians we may be able to help, if their 
doctors have accurate information with which to make responsible decisions.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom