Pubdate: Thu, 16 Jul 2015
Source: Fairview Post (CN AB)
Copyright: 2015 Fairview Post
Contact: http://www.fairviewpost.com/letters
Website: http://www.fairviewpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3369

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