HAVEN'T GOT POT FOR THE PAIN

Prince Charles has stirred anew the public debate in Britain over
legalizing marijuana to ease pain. Eyebrows were raised during Charles'
visit to a London center for multiple sclerosis victims recently. The
prince met patient Karen Drake, who must use a wheelchair; they chatted on
about their shared love for painting, and he signed one of her works. Then,
in discussing her pain, the prince asked, as earnestly as you please: "Have
you tried taking cannabis? I hear it's the best thing for it."

In a newspaper interview, Drake, 36, said, "I was surprised, but I think I
would like to try it. Anything that can help relieve pain can only be for
the good." Alas, as progressive a personal view as the prince may hold (his
interest in organic foods and holistic medicine is well known), he wasn't
up on current policy. Last month, the House of Lords backed a law change
allowing docs to prescribe pot for pain to some patients. But the
government rejected the initiative, saying longer clinical trials are
needed.