STONED BY LACK OF EVIDENCE

In the debate on medical marijuana in the December 2006 issue,1 Dr
Ware wrote, "Cannabis has not yet been formally evaluated in clinical
trials." His conclusion that "there is solid scientific rationale for
therapeutic use of cannabis" is therefore not supported by the
information that he provided.

--Robert Shepherd

Victoria, BC by fax

Reference

1. Ware M. Is there a role for marijuana in medical practice? Yes
[Debate]. Can Fam Physician 2006:52:1531-3 (Eng), 1535-7 (Fr).

Response

Dr Shepherd is correct to point out the gap between scientific
rationale and clinical evidence, and physicians certainly need more
information than was permitted in the debate to formulate their own
positions on medical marijuana. My contribution should not be
interpreted as definitive, but should be seen for what it was: one
perspective suggesting that cannabis has potential therapeutic value.
More clinical research is needed to determine the true risk-benefit
ratio for clinical use of cannabis.

--Mark Ware, MB BS MSc

Montreal, Que by e-mail