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There are clear,
though non-definitive indications of the therapeutic benefits of marijuana in
the following conditions: analgesic for chronic pain, antispasm for multiple
sclerosis, anticonvulsive for epilepsy, antiemetic for chemotherapy and
appetite stimulant for cachexia.
Ø There are less clear indications
regarding the effect of marijuana on glaucoma and other medical conditions.
Ø Marijuana has not been established
as a drug through rigorous, controlled studies.
Ø The quality and effectiveness of
marijuana, primarily smoked marijuana, have not been determined in clinical
studies.
Ø There have been some studies of
synthetic compounds, but the knowledge base is still too small to determine
effectiveness and safety.
Ø Generally, the effects of smoked
marijuana are more specific and occur faster than the effects of synthetic
compounds.
Ø The absence of certain cannabinoids
in synthetic compounds can lead to harmful side effects, such as panic
attacks and cannabinoid psychoses.
Ø Smoked marijuana is potentially
harmful to the respiratory system.
Ø People who smoke marijuana for
therapeutic purposes self-regulate their use depending on their physical
condition and do not really seek the psychoactive effect
Ø People who smoke marijuana for
therapeutic purposes prefer to have a choice as to methods of use.
Ø Measures should be taken to
support and encourage the development of alternative practices, such as the
establishment of compassion clubs.
Ø The practices of these
organizations are in line with the therapeutic indications arising from
clinical studies and meet the strict rules on quality and safety
Ø The studies that have already been
approved by Health Canada must be conducted as quickly as possible.
Ø The qualities of the marijuana
used in those studies must meet the standards of current practice in
compassion clubs, not NIDA standards.
Ø The studies should focus on
applications and the specific doses for various medical conditions.
Ø Health Canada should, at the
earliest possible opportunity, undertake a clinical study in cooperation with
Canadian compassion clubs.
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