DOCTOR RESIGNS FROM HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON MEDICAL POT

OTTAWA (CP) - A Toronto doctor who has AIDS has resigned from Health
Canada's advisory committee on medical marijuana, saying he doesn't
trust Health Minister Anne McLellan to handle the file.

Greg Robinson, one of two people with serious illnesses on the
committee, is upset by McLellan's decision to terminate a study by the
Community Research Initiative of Toronto (CRIT) into the use of
cannabis as an appetite stimulant. CRIT had spent about $800,000 of a
$2-million grant before its funding was terminated in March, just as
it was about to begin clinical trials. It has since closed its offices.

Robinson says he reluctantly resorted to smoking marijuana even though
he hates the so-called "high," because it allows him to stem his
weight loss. But he worries about side effects.

"They just shut the research down and some of us are waiting anxiously
to find out if what we're doing to ourselves is really helping," he said.

He said he strongly suspects there's a benefit in his case, but would
like scientific evidence. If CRIT's work was unsatisfactory, the work
should be carried on by some other group he said.

"I don't have any appetite left with my disease. I had no other
options. I went the usual medical route and I ended up a zombie.

"This way I can take a small puff, half a joint, a whole joint before
dinner. I do not like being stoned."

McLellan said in an interview that CRIT is being audited, and its
funding won't be renewed.

"There have been concerns identified by my officials and those
concerns are being followed up," she said.

The health minister said CRIT's work hasn't been wasted, and Health
Canada may fund other groups to build on it. She said other cannabis
research projects are proceeding.

However there is only one other marijuana project underway, and it
deals with the effects of cannabis on pain. Other projects are
expected but haven't been approved.

"The loss of CRIT as the only AIDS organization in Canada dedicated
solely to HIV/AIDS community-based research, is a tragedy," Robinson said
in his letter of resignation to McLellan.

Robinson also disagrees with McLellan's plan to have doctors
distribute medical marijuana, saying the drug should be provided
through pharmacists and compassion clubs.

The Canadian Medical Association has been highly critical of the
proposed system, saying doctors are being forced to provide a drug
whose benefits have not been proven in clinical trials.

Robinson said Health Canada has created a "catch 22" dilemma by
insisting on clinical evidence before approving marijuana use, but
thwarting the clinical trials needed to get the evidence.

"I no longer have faith in your ability to understand compassion for
seriously and chronically ill patients," his letter said.

McLellan insisted Health Canada is firmly committed to clinical
research into the possible benefits of cannabis.