DOCTORS OPPOSE MEDICAL CANNABIS

A bill seeking to regulate the use of marijuana for medicinal use
received opposition from some members of the medical community
yesterday in a public hearing at the Legislature.

Doctors opposed "The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010," or Bill
423, saying the risk of regulating marijuana use would be greater than
the benefits.

Drs. Joel Rubio and Annette M. David, from Health Partners LLC, sent a
letter to lawmakers informing them of research that notes while there
may be justifiable grounds for using marijuana for terminal illnesses
and end-of-life care, the medical use of marijuana cannot be freed
from the fact that it is addictively used by many for recreation.

Dr. Thomas Shieh, president-elect of the Guam Medical Association,
read their letter.

"In our professional and personal opinions, for Guam, the risks far
outweigh the benefits," the letter said. "For this reason, and after
the review of the literature and evidence and professional
deliberation, we oppose Bill 423."

Last month, Sen. Rory Respicio introduced Bill 423 to regulate the
recommendation and certification of medicinal marijuana by a licensed
physician in order to help people who are suffering from debilitating,
chronic and painful illnesses and conditions.

The bill states that in order for licensed physicians to recommend and
prescribe medicinal marijuana to patients, the patients would have to
register with the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and
be certified as having a debilitating medical condition. The bill
proposes the establishing of "compassionate health-care centers" that
will grow, process and dispense cannabis by prescription only.

Dr. Chen Huang an oncologist at the Cancer Center of Guam, opposed the
bill in a letter, saying it would open doors for more abuse.

"Loopholes and abuse of the system is almost certainly bound to occur
and it is important to just nip it at the bud," Huang said. "Do not
legalize it, do not let it get started."

Some residents living with medical conditions that frequently leave
them with pain -- or have family members in such a state -- told
lawmakers that the bill could be the relief they need.

"I think it can help a lot of people, especially (those) with
disabilities," said Alan Salas from Mongmong. Salas has been taking
painkillers for years after being hospitalized after hip surgery
because of an infected bone. "It will help the pain. That's it."

Lailani Villagomez, 20, from Yona, testified on behalf of her father,
Luis Villagomez, a disabled Vietnam War veteran who has been on
painkillers and other medications for various illnesses, including
post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lailani Villagomez said when her father takes the medication
prescribed by doctors, it makes him sick and prevents him from
partaking in family activities. Marijuana brings him relief, she said.

"I just hope they pass it," she said

After yesterday's hearing, Respicio said lawmakers have always been
open to modify this bill to make sure cannabis is available only for
use by patients in need of this kind of medicine.