MARIJUANA AS ORAL SPRAY

Three years ago, the New England Journal of Medicine editorialized in favor
of the medicinal value of marijuana, and there is ample evidence that
marijuana can reduce nausea and vomiting among people undergoing
chemotherapy, stimulate the appetites of people with AIDS, and help those
with muscle spasms from chronic diseases like epilepsy.

Last fall, Maine voters approved the use of marijuana if approved by
physician, and a task force is now at work trying to develop a workable
distribution system — but there are problems. The federal government has
promised to crack down on physicians prescribing marijuana. Another concern
is the issue of potency and purity. If marijuana is to be treated like a
medicine, it should be dispensed in known doses.

Enter a new oral "marijuana spray" being developed by a British
pharmaceutical firm. It is similar to an asthma inhaler, and is said to
work efficiently. The company wants to conduct clinical trials in Maine.
That's a good plan. If it proves to be as effective as advertised,
marijuana could truly be dispensed as a medicine — which is a far cry from
providing certain people a get-out-of-jail-free card for marijuana law
violations.