Pubdate: Wed, 15 Mar 2017
Source: Montreal Gazette (CN QU)
Copyright: 2017 Postmedia Network Inc.
Contact:  http://www.montrealgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/274
Author: Kathryn Greenaway
Page: D3

ACCESS TO POT KEY FOR CLINICAL TRIALS: RESEARCHER

Dr. Mark Ware has been studying the safe and effective use of medical
marijuana for 16 years. His research is done at the McGill University
Health Centre (MUHC). Last June, Ware was named vice-chair of the
federal task force studying the recreational use of marijuana. So he
has studied the subject of cannabis from both ends of the spectrum.

When told that a 40,000-square-foot medical marijuana production
facility was poised to open in Pointe-Claire, he put on his research
cap.

"Remember that cannabis is not one drug. It is a family of drugs
called cannabinoids," Ware said.

More than 100 cannabinoids can be extracted from a cannabis plant. The
two most studied so far for their medical applications are THC and
CBD.

"When extracted, they can become very important medicines," Ware said.
"THC is linked with the euphoria associated with being 'high'. CBD
does not produce euphoria. Its therapeutic value is still being studied."

The Pointe-Claire plant would help facilitate the research being done
at the MUHC.

"It is very important to have access to medical marijuana for use in
clinical trials," Ware said.

CBD is being researched as a possible anti-spasm, anti-seizure and
anti-inflammatory medication. It might even help in the treatment of
schizophrenia. But Ware said the research is "a long way from being
proven." THC research is further along. Ware said it has been
successful in managing pain, easing spasticity in patients with
multiple sclerosis, and reducing nausea and vomiting brought on by
chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.

Medical marijuana can be smoked, vaporized (through a heating process)
or reduced to an oil, which can be either ingested as is or with food.
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MAP posted-by: Matt