DOCS NOT RUSHING TO INK POT PRESCRIPTIONS

Prince George doctors say they're in no hurry to hand out prescriptions for
medical marijuana, even though the federal government has relaxed the law
for some patients. Amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Act, which took effect Monday, expand the use of medical marijuana to
terminally ill people and those with chronic illness or pain if it eases
their symptoms. Patients first need approval from a doctor and from Health
Canada to grow the plants or designate someone to do it for them.

Dr. Bert Kelly, a general practitioner and vice-president of the Northern
Medical Society, said the medical community is hesitant to approve a drug
without extensive tests for effectiveness. "I think most physicians,
certainly in Prince George, would be slow to be involved in this program,"
he said. "I think we'd want guidelines from the BCMA (B.C. Medical
Association)."

The Canadian Medical Association says the speedy enactment of the new
regulations precludes thorough testing of marijuana use. The association
has recommended doctors not become involved in supplying the drug and
warned of possible legal liability.

Proponents of medical marijuana maintain the drug is effective in
alleviating pain and nausea. However, Kelly said he's not familiar with the
plant's medical properties. "I haven't studied the question personally. I
don't know what advantages cannabis holds over the prescription drugs that
are available," he said.

A number of patients with AIDS have expressed a desire for medical
marijuana, said Mary Jackson, education coordinator with AIDS Prince
George. "We definitely have clients who are interested in using it," she
said, although she couldn't say how many.

Despite the new legislation, Jackson said it's still not easy for patients
to obtain the drug.

Health Canada has established a marijuana cultivation centre in Manitoba,
with the first harvest expected this fall, but purchasing pot from other
sources is still illegal.

Some people with HIV/AIDS have a limited income and must spend money on
quality food to maintain their health, Jackson said.

Meanwhile, the B.C. Marijuana Party is proceeding with plans to establish a
"compassion network" in Prince George by the end of the year to distribute
marijuana at low cost to medical users, said party president Marc Emery.
The city is one of nine B.C. communities, as well as Edmonton, that will be
linked to the distribution network by December, he said. With a letter from
a doctor, acknowledging the patient finds marijuana helpful, people will be
able to buy pot for as little as $7.50 per gram _ marijuana sells for about
$12 to $15 per gram on the street, he said.

Changes to the legislation come after the Ontario Court of Appeals ruled,
in July 2000, that prohibition of marijuana for medical use was
unconstitutional.