NO TAKERS FOR ASTHMA TRIAL, LOTS FOR CANNABIS

Smoking cannabis in a medical trial is proving more alluring to the public
than trialling an asthma vaccine, a Wellington research group has found.

The Wellington Asthma Research Group is looking for volunteers for an
asthma vaccine trial, and has been placing daily newspaper advertisements
since January 17. So far, the group has had little response.

Clinical Research fellow Phillippa Shirtcliffe said the trial required 30
participants, but would probably need 50 to 60 volunteers who would be
screened because not all would meet the criteria. Only three suitable
people have been found.

In stark contrast, publicity in September about a proposed trial by the
same research group involving smoking cannabis, received huge public response.

Researcher Ali Goldkorn said her office was swamped with interest, and
received more than a hundred calls.