HAMM SAYS MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE OK

NEW GLASGOW (CP) -- Nova Scotia Premier John Hamm says he'd like to see
marijuana treated like other drugs used to treat people suffering acute pain.

Canadians have to apply for a formal medical exemption before they are
legally permitted to use pot.

Hamm said in an interview Monday that marijuana should not be regulated any
differently than medications such as morphine or dilaudid. Those drugs are
available when a doctor prescribes them. "If it has medical benefits and it
is apparent now that it does, then it should be handled the way we handle
any other medication that comes on the market," he said.

He said some prescription drugs can be castastrophic on the street, but
very useful when prescribed to medicate pain.

"They should remain available to those with those kinds of illnesses."

The premier also says he agrees with plans to decriminalize marijuana.

He says pot shouldn't be legalized, but people who possess small amounts
should not be classified as criminals.