27 Dec 2001
Source: Tennessean, The (TN)
Copyright: 2001 The Tennessean
Contact: letters@tennessean.com
Website: http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447
Bookmarks: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

MARIJUANA'S POTENTIAL

The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has approved a pair of scientific experiments to explore potential benefits in marijuana for patients battling multiple sclerosis and AIDS.  The approval of the experiments doesn't legalize medicinal marijuana under federal law, but it is an important development in the government's handling of the issue.

The feds have been slow to come around to the possibilities of marijuana for patients with chronic diseases.  Some states have taken it upon themselves to legalize the practice of prescribing marijuana for medical purposes, but federal law still forbids such uses.  The federally approved experiments, which will take place in California, are a step in the right direction.

It is important for scientists to get all the facts about the possible medical attributes of marijuana.  Too often, rigid attitudes toward the drug have hampered what could be benefits.  If marijuana can alleviate pain in seriously ill patients, it should be available by prescription drug.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the recent DEA approval is that other experiments on possible medical uses of marijuana are in the pipeline, awaiting approval.  By allowing for scientific experiments, the federal government is giving a much-warranted nod to medicine.  If potential benefits arise, federal law should certainly follow through and legalize the treatment.