Pubdate: Sat, 20 Aug 2016
Source: East Bay Times, The (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Digital First Media
Contact:  http://www.eastbaytimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/314
Note: Oakland Tribune till April 2016
Author: Nayvin Gordon

BASE DECISIONS ON SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

The active ingredient of marijuana, THC (Cannabis), has been 
available by prescription from medical doctors since 1985. The FDA 
has allowed a pill form to be prescribed for wasting related to AIDS 
and for terminal cancer patients. THC pills are regulated just like 
any other prescription.

The FDA could extend coverage to other conditions only when 
scientific, evidence-based studies prove that they are effective. To 
this date, evidence is lacking.

According to the highly respected, "Medical Letter on Drugs and 
Therapeutics, Aug. 1: "No adequate studies of cannabis (botanical 
marijuana) are available for any of these indications" (cancer pain, 
multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and neuropathic pain).

Thus, there is no need for medical marijuana clinics who sell a 
product that is not regulated, of unknown quality and strength, and 
thus may be dangerous or ineffective. Illness should continue to be 
treated by health professionals based on scientific evidence. This is 
responsible policy.

Dr. Nayvin Gordon

Oakland
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom