`MODERATELY' USEFUL MEDICINAL POT

Voters in seven states have approved the medicinal use
of marijuana, but the federal government has warned
physicians against abiding by the referendums. This is a
legal mess. Thus, federal drug czar Barry McCaffrey
asked for a report on whether pot really is effective in the
treatment of certain ailments.

The study concluded that the active substances in marijuana may be
``moderately'' useful for treating such problems as pain, nausea and
appetite loss. Supporters of medical marijuana, who have long claimed
the weed is useful in treating glaucoma, mitigating the side effects
of cancer chemotherapy and preventing the ``wasting'' associated with
AIDS, will likely feel vindicated.

But even if the drug's therapeutic uses are fact-based, public policy
should stress the need for physician approval and not open the door
for unrestricted use for anyone who claims to be ``sick.'' But how,
realistically, is that done?

Anti-drug activists, along with McCaffrey, have long argued that these
referendums and studies are but a stealthy way to slip in legalization
through the back door. A good example is here in Florida, where
thousands of registered voters have signed their names to a petition,
hoping to add an amendment to the Florida Constitution that would
permit the use of medicinal marijuana.

The problem is that the proposed initiative does not require a
prescription for the purchase of marijuana. It also does not require
individuals to have a specific illness or medical condition to be
``treated,'' or even require a visit to a doctor.

REGARDLESS OF THE STUDY'S one cheer for marijuana as medicine,
alternatives should be pursued first. For instance, a previous study
found that even though marijuana may lower eye pressure in glaucoma
treatment, there are six other sets of medicines that do the same job,
not to mention laser procedures and surgery.

Many AIDS activists, as well as many in the medical community, are now
saying, ``I told you so,'' and there is no doubt that some supporters
of prescription marijuana see the idea of such easing as an
opportunity to smoke the illegal substance without fear of criminal
prosecution. Let's take care. This is a road lined with caution signs.