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| Medicinal Marijuana May Have Merits: MD |
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Posted by FoM on August 11, 2001 at 09:41:16 PT By Nigel Regan Source: Bermuda Sun 
A Hospice physician has joined a growing list of health professionals who say using marijuana for medicinal reasons in Bermuda should not be ruled out until the matter has been fully debated. Dr. Peggy Bissell, the physician at Agape House, Bermuda’s residential home for the terminally ill, said she is “open minded” about considering the evidence for marijuana.She said: “For myself, open mindedness translates into a willingness to look into the medical evidence to see if marijuana, or anything else for that matter, will improve the life of my dying patients. “In the interest of good patient care, we have to examine the evidence of anything that might make them feel better.” Willingness to address the controversial issue locally comes hot on the heels of developments in both Canada and the U.K. As from July 30, Canadians suffering from serious illnesses, such as cancer and AIDS, are not only allowed to possess the drug, they’re also allowed to grow it. Meanwhile, the British Government has instructed its Home Affairs Committee to explore general decriminalization when Parliament resumes in the fall. In addition, it has given its backing to a pilot study in Brixton, south London, which allows police to issue on the spot warnings to people caught with small amounts of cannabis instead of arresting them. Last month, Anne Smith Gordon, the president and CEO of P.A.L.S (Care for Cancer Patients) and Dr. William Lowry, the island’s former oncologist, told the Bermuda Sun they are open to the idea of debate. “There are many, many, controlled drugs and if this [marijuana] is a controlled drug that will help a cancer patient, I would probably be for it,” Ms Smith Gordon said. She added: “We use morphine, which is highly controlled, and other drugs that are not legally sold, but for medical use they are acceptable. Perhaps it [marijuana] might fall into that category.” Dr. Lowry, meanwhile, said he’s in favour of an “open and honest discussion.” He said: “I don’t think there’s any question that those who are terminally ill should be denied any medication that might help them, and that includes marijuana.” He added marijuana cannot be considered as dangerous as morphine, which is currently used to relieve pain, saying: “These things should always be discussed openly. We need to know the pros and cons.” Dr. Bissell pointed out that existing medications “work very well” but that she is not closed to exploring the properties of other drugs.” Cabinet Minister Dr. Ewart Brown, an on-the-record supporter of decriminalization, did not return calls this week, neither did Health Minister Nelson Bascome. Shadow Health Minister Kim Young is off the island. Source: Bermuda Sun Related Articles & Web Site: Medical Marijuana Information Links Study Shows Therapeutic Benefits Long-Term Pot-Use Study: No Ill Health Effects CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archives Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #2 posted by New Mexican on August 11, 2001 at 23:22:35 PT |
| for your eloquence and determination. Your commitment to the truth is also a daily inspiration. As well as many others here who constantly amaze me with the best arguments based on science and history of use. Thanks to all! [ Post Comment ] |
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Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on August 11, 2001 at 10:07:37 PT:
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| An examination of the voluminous British literature on cannabis from the mid 19th century reveals that it was superb is rescuing patients from frequently fatal diseases such as cholera and tetanus. Sometimes it could not cure, as in rabies, but physicians were astounded at its palliation of pain and the allowance of a comfortable passage into the next life---. The essence of a compassionate society is measured by how it treats its most helpless citiizens: the sick, the very young, and the dying. I hope that this physician and others will ignore the moralistic brainwashing and propaganda foisted upon our society against this healing herb. Cannabis should be available when indicated for every hospice patient. [ Post Comment ] |
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