POT DEBATE

In regards to the comment by Brendan Hanley, Yukon's medical health
officer, that it is "impossible to grow new brain cells," he might wish to
read up on the research.

A widely reported study done at the University of Saskatchewan in
Saskatoon showed that cannabinoids spurred the growth of new brain cells
in the hippocampus.

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in November
2005.

The lead researcher concluded that "marijuana appears to be the only
illicit drug whose capacity to produce new neurons is correlated with its
anti-anxiety and anti-depressant effects."

Other major studies have shown that cannabinoids provide protection to
brain cells against damage caused by nerve gas and strokes, and that THC
destroys cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

It is unfortunate, but not surprising, that the Yukon health officer is
not more educated about the many unique medicinal benefits of the cannabis
plant.

You can read a United Press article about the new brain cell growth study
here: http://cannabis.net/neogenesis/index.html

You can get references on the anti-cancer effects of cannabinoids here:
http://www.cannabisculture.com/news/cancer

There are references to the neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids here:
http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/1418.html

Dana Larsen, Federal NDP candidate for West Vancouver/Sunshine
Coast/Sea-to-Sky Country