GET OFF THE POT!

Editorial - When is this old debate over cannabis going to end? When will
we finally accept its medicinal qualities and allow its unfettered access
to those who need it?

Scientists are coming up with new medicinal uses for marijuana ever day.
Now, they've created synthetic compounds that act like cannabis on the
brain to reduce anxiety and depression, but without the side effects of
marijuana.

Researchers say they can copy certain benefits of the common street drug to
prolong the punch of the cannabis-like chemicals that the brain makes
naturally. These synthetic compounds could result in new anti-depressants,
offering the calm of marijuana without the side effects (mainly hunger and
'a high').

Isn't it interesting how the pharmaceutical companies are ready to grab
onto marijuana as a beneficial drug as long as it can be manufactured in
pill form (and they can make their millions).

Herbal marijuana is being praised as a pain reliever for those who are
suffering from cancer or AIDS. Patients rely on it to boost their appetites.

Marijuana's main active ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), is known to
reduce anxiety by binding directly to receptors in the brain and resulting
in a 'high' sensation.

Researchers know that THC mimics a natural neurotransmitter in the brain
called anandamide, which appears to be involved in mood, pain and a range
of physiological functions.

In fact, research is also showing a brain substance related to anandamide
might also help combat obesity.

So here we have a number of research studies looking into synthetic
compounds that mimic marijuana's beneficial effects on the mind and body,
yet we prevent ready access to dying patients who actually need marijuana
to live.

As controversial as it might be, we must seriously look at decriminalizing
cannabis so those who need it most for medicinal purposes can have ready
access to it.

We're NOT advocating its ready access to recreational users - at least not
just yet. That decision can only be made once all stakeholders - law
enforcement, the medical community and society at large - have weighed the
pros and cons honestly and fairly.

But a good first step would be to de-criminalize possession of marijuana,
and allow law enforcement officers to devote their efforts on real crime.