DRUG MAY STOP MAD COW DISEASE

A PRO-CANNABIS lobby group says an ingredient in cannabis may prevent
"mad cow" disease.

The National Organisation for Marijuana Law Reform says a French study
shows cannabidiol may be effective in preventing bovine spongiforme
encephalopathy.

Scientists at the National Centre for Scientific Research in France
found cannabidiol - a non-psychoactive ingredient - may prevent the
development of prion diseases, the most well known of which is BSE.

Research found cannabidiol inhibited accumulation of prion proteins in
infected mice and sheep.

NORML spokesman Chris Fowlie said this added to the scientific
evidence supporting Green MP Metiria Turei's bill to legalise the
medicinal use of cannabis.

"[It] should be supported by any MP with a clear head. Unfortunately
most MPs act like mad cows when cannabis is mentioned."