Hang Onto Your Roach Clip:

THE POT DEBATE IS HEATING UP

Re: Why Marijuana Shouldn't Be Legal, letter to the editor, Jan 16.

Letter-writer Dr. Chris Sedergreen attempts to provide the latest
pharmacological data on cannabinoid preparations. However, he places
far too great an emphasis on the pain management qualities of
Nabilone, approved for nausea in cancer chemotherapy treatments. To
clarify, there are two other drugs available: Marinol - THC in an
oral pill format - has been approved for nausea and weight loss in
cancer and AIDS patients, but its pain reduction benefit is limited
due to stomach absorption; and Sativex (THC and CDB), approved in
Canada for severe pain caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer. The
latter is sprayed into the mouth, so as to avoid lung inhalation or
ingestion, and can achieve improved pain relief in some chronic pain
conditions.

However, all three drugs are very costly, cannot produce a "high" or
"stoned" state in users and pale in comparison to inhaled marijuana
for pain management. Just ask the medicinal marijuana users,
especially my Fibromyalgia patients.

Dr. David Saul, Toronto.