DRUG CZAR ASKS FOR DEBATE OF CANNABIS AS MEDICINE

Discussion To Be Uninhibited By `Ideological Blinkers'

Bonn (AP). The federal drug czar, Christa Nickels, has asked for a debate
on the acceptance of cannabis for use as a medicine. The discussion should
be engaged without "ideological blinkers," she told the German Press Agency
in Bonn on Sunday(11/29/98). "The suffering of patients with illnesses such
as MS, Cancer or AIDS could be eased with cannabis," she said.

"Cannabis is really a soft drug and has been classified as a prohibited
substance along with the hard drugs. In past years its use as a medicine
has not found broad acceptance because of the possibility of abuse."

Research has been conducted in isolated instances in the USA and Canada.
Ms. Nickels enthused over the recent English initiative in the House of
Lords to admit the use of cannabis for the treatment of AIDS, cancer and
certain forms of paralysis. "We must consider making that a part of our
agenda here in Germany," she said.

The Greens party politician announced that she would bring the discussion
of the so-called legal drugs, such as alcohol and prescription medicine
into sharper focus. In the face of two and a half million alcoholics and
another million addicted to prescribed drugs, more education is necessary.
In negotiations with the liquor industry, she will strive for a reduction
in the amount of advertising for beer, wine and spirits.

Checked-by: Joel W. Johnson