DISTORTING THE TRUTH ABOUT MARIJUANA

Re: Harper's Misguided War On Pot, editorial, Nov. 23.

Medical research over the past 30 years has demonstrated that
marijuana is not a harmless recreational drug, but can cause very
serious medical harm. On the other hand, some people have found it
useful in relieving some symptoms of pain with certain chronic and
debilitating illnesses. Given these divergent observations, the
parliament of the American Psychiatric Association held an extensive
debate on this matter earlier this month -- the third time in the
past two years -- at our meeting in Washington.

What most concerned some of my U.S. medical colleagues was that in 12
states, marijuana may be prescribed for medical reasons according to
state law, yet both doctor and patient may still be liable to
prosecution under federal law. After fierce and divisive debate, two
main resolutions were passed. One encouraged full review of the
current scientific status of marijuana. The other resolution
supported the American Medical Association's position that doctors
and patients not be subject to prosecution in states where marijuana
can be prescribed for medical reasons.

Unfortunately, within less than a day of our assembly voting in
favour of these conclusions, a pro-marijuana lobby was announcing
that the American Psychiatric Association had "unanimously" approved
the "medical use of marijuana" -- which is completely untrue. This is
a treacherous area in which almost all public statements --including
your editorial and my letter -- are likely to be distorted by people
with various agendas.

Dr. Joseph Berger, Toronto.