POT OKAY FOR MEDICAL USE, HAMM SAYS

HALIFAX -- Premier John Hamm, a former family physician, said he
approves of the medical use of marijuana if it relieves the suffering
of some seriously ill patients.

The Premier said he has dealt with cancer and AIDS patients and feels
that some sufferers should be allowed to smoke pot to make them feel
better. "If it can be shown, and there's now evidence building, that
this drug can be used for the benefit of people with illnesses of this
magnitude, then by all means we should be using it," Dr. Hamm said at
Province House.

On Wednesday, federal Health Minister Allan Rock said Health Canada
will fund trials and longer-term research on the therapeutic value of
marijuana.