OLE MISS MARIJUANA PROJECT FOCUS OF TV PROGRAM

The medical marijuana research project at the University of
Mississippi will be the focus of tonight's episode of "Dan Rather
Reports," an HDNet television program.

According to an Ole Miss news release, the show will offer a glimpse
into the Marijuana Project, an Ole Miss research effort the National
Institute on Drug Abuse began funding in 1968.

Rather visited the University in December when footage was shot for
the story.

Chemist Mahmoud ElSohly, who has been director since 1980, is an
expert on more than 400 chemicals found in the plant, the university
said.

ElSohly and his staff used the plant to create a marijuana
suppository. On the market in five years, it could be used to treat
neuropathic pain, nausea and vomiting experienced by chemotherapy patients.

ElSohly also developed a Cannabis fingerprinting system used to
identify the geographic origins of marijuana samples.

"Medical Marijuana" premiers at 7 p.m. today on HDNet. It airs again
at 10 p.m. The show also airs at 1 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday, as well
as 10:30 a.m. Saturday and 6 p.m. Sunday.