SELF-SERVING STUDY IGNORES FACTS ON MEDICAL POT USE

It's cherry-picking season for Paul Armentano at NORML, the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, where the highlighting
of information favorable to legalization of marijuana and the
suppression of contrary information is normal. Armentano lists what
he likes in the University of California, Santa Cruz, medical
marijuana use study, but ignores much, including.

This was a sociological, not medical, study led by Craig Reinarman, a
longtime foe of "The War on Drugs." All data were self-reported or
came from physicians who for $50 to $125 provide "patients" with
recommendations used to obtain medical marijuana cards.

Armentano lists the percentages of "patients" aged 25 to 54, but not
the 17.9 percent in the healthy 18 to 24 age group, and the 12.6
percent of those over 54, who normally have the most health problems.

NORML would like you to think that, because 56.1 percent said they
use cannabis prior to sleep, these folks will not be out getting into
trouble. But other study data suggest that a solid majority use
marijuana more often. Also, 52.3 percent reported evening use, and a
total of a 63.5 percent reported use during other times of the day.

By far the most telling data Armentano omitted is the unbelievable
41.2 percent of "patients" who claimed not to have used cannabis
recreationally, well below estimates of use for everyone else. To get
the medical marijuana card, patients lie about previous use, about
their medical needs, which nicely match the lists provided
everywhere, and their previous efforts to manage those needs.

As a pharmacist, I am well aware of the medical benefits of cannabis,
including those of dronabinol (THC), which has been available by
prescription for decades. As a trail work leader, I permitted a
medical marijuana user with a legitimate need to work with my crew
when I could have refused. But, to anyone who has followed the
medical marijuana issue closely, it's a sham.

I have no doubt that the great majority of users are simply using it
to get high. The legalization battle fought last year will be fought
again, and people will have to decide if we are to end our
drug-dependant terminal slide or not. When that battle is joined,
remember that NORML is telling you only what it wants you to know.