PATIENTS NEED EXPERT ADVICE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Re: Medical marijuana: Why -- and how Ottawa must make it easier to acquire
and distribute, Commentary Page, March 30

Just to set the record straight: I am not, and never have been, a paid
consultant for Health Canada. Dr. Glenda MacDonald and I are
registered pharmacists who consult direct to patients about their
medications, herbs and supplements as the Pharmacotherapy Consulting
Group.

It is true that we are advocates for patient access to medical
marijuana through pharmacies. Our goal is to ensure the safety and
effectiveness of this medication when used by Canadians for approved
medical reasons. We support the distribution of marijuana through the
same traditional health-care model that is used for every other medication.

Black market marijuana is simply not acceptable for medical use.
Health Canada's marijuana is tested, standardized and predictable. It
meets stringent research-grade requirements. Concerns about the manner
in which the Health Canada marijuana is physically prepared (i.e.,
processing the whole plant rather than just the 'buds') are being addressed.

Pharmacists are respected, accessible health-care professionals who
ensure safe and effective use of medications. Critically and
chronically ill Canadians deserve expert advice about medical
marijuana from a committed professional.

Dr. Robin O'Brien

Pharmacotherapy Consulting Group

Vancouver