GIVE ILL PATIENTS MARIJUANA RIGHT NOW

Re: Government admits: Our marijuana is bad weed, May 8.

Despite the hoopla about the first Canadian crop of medical marijuana,
under no circumstances should any medical marijuana be destroyed and kept
out of the grasp of those who need it, just because consistent levels of
strength were not achieved.

The sickest patients, those close to death, should be given the medical
marijuana of the highest THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) strength. They
need to eat to live. An appetite will help them eat.

Plants with less THC by weight can be distributed to others with less
life-threatening maladies. But don't throw any of this marijuana away. It
is all useable, now.

THC, the main active chemical in marijuana, is the medicine. Consistency in
medical strength (quality) is desirable, but it is a consideration that can
be addressed later.

The Cancer AIDS Wasting Syndrome Research Foundation bid on that contract
to produce and distribute medical marijuana for approved Canadian citizens.

Health Canada had a clause in the contract requiring the grower to obtain
seed from a legitimate seed source. And the contract required that the seed
produce marijuana plant material with five-to six-per-cent THC by weight.

Robert C. Ford,

Cerrillos, New Mexico

Director, Cancer AIDS Wasting Syndrome Research Foundation