BMA backs call for research into cannabis
By Jason Johnston

THE British Medical Association in Ulster has defended the organisation's
call for research into cannabis in the hunt for more medicines.

The recommendation, released in a report this morning, says that derivatives
of the illegal drug can help with pain and suffering.

But it says research into this area is hampered by legislation. The latest
call follows a recommendation from the organisation earlier this year to
free up restrictions on the drug to make it easier to use in helping with
certain illnesses.

BMA spokeswoman in Northern Ireland Anona Robertson said: "We are not just
calling for cannabis to be legalised.

"In fact we would warn against smoking this drug as it has three times the
tar content of ordinary cigarettes and we are very against cigarettes." She
added that the organisation was calling for legal access to advance research
into suffering.

The study released today says that many normally lawabiding citizens have
resorted to the use of cannabis to alleviate distressing symptoms which are
inadequately controlled by existing drugs.

The survey looked at the available scientific evidence from patients who
have smoked or eaten the drug to relieve pain and nausea.

It says conditions which might benefit include nausea associated with cancer
chemotherapy, epilepsy, pain, anorexia, glaucoma, bronchial asthma, mood
disorders, mental illness and hypertension.