POT NOT A 'HARMLESS' SUBSTANCE

Although marijuana has potential medical uses, its applications have
been poorly investigated. As with any medicine there needs to be
extensive testing and research before it is approved for use. Those of
us who remember the tragedy of Thalidomide will appreciate this.

Marijuana is not a harmless drug. It is profoundly mood altering and,
as a result, some people develop problems from its use. Although
there is ample evidence underscoring its hazards to various organ
systems, as with any mood-altering drug marijuana's major effects are
upon the central nervous system. Anything which so dramatically alters
mood similarly impairs other aspects of brain function. To ignore
these potential hazards when describing marijuana's effects is to
ignore the most dangerous consequences of its use.

Those with evolving drug misuse problems (particularly with
prescription drugs) invariably tell their physicians that the only
drug which relieves their symptoms is the one with euphoria-producing
effects. Individuals with chronic pain and co-existing substance
dependence disorders are difficult to treat. But time, care and
patience often pays off and most are relieved of their symptoms
without using mood-altering and addicting drugs.

The rulings by various provincial court judges are not reflective of
marijuana's true hazards. It is more reflective of good defence lawyer
work. These decisions may have been different had those involved had
access to more comprehensive and statistically relevant facts. There
are many studies that clearly point out marijuana's hazards to various
organ systems and its potential for addiction. Unless judges have
access to these studies and the findings therein, however, they are
liable to make decisions that are beneficial to neither those coming
before them or to society.

Finally, I would like to point out that those who most vigorously
lobby for an expanded medical role for marijuana often do so in order
to legitimize their own drug use. I would suggest that those most
militantly supporting the Cannabis Compassion Club clearly have an
agenda of their own.

Douglas S. Coleman, MD, CCFP, CASAM,
Chair Medical Committee,
Addictive Drug Information Council,
New Westminster