Few outside of the specialists who make it their study understand the breadth of cannabis' therapeutic applications. And scientists and doctors are only beginning to unlock its potential. One of Oregon's foremost cannabis specialists helped explain who might use it and why.
Because medical schools rarely discuss the history or efficacy of cannabis as a therapeutic agent, doctors typically must do their own research in the field. Those who treat cancer patients and chronic pain are most likely to be familiar with the drug's potential -- a 1996 Harvard Medical School study found 45% of oncologists were recommending cannabis then, before any state had legalized it.
When I was ordered before the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners, the first question I was asked by Dr. Spokas, the chairman, from Ontario, Oregon, was "Dr. Leveque don't you know that marijuana is very addicting and very dangerous?" Frankly, I didn't know or believe this, and all of my experience with 50 study and 4000 patients told me this was totally false.
Legal or illegal, countless numbers of Americans use cannabis, and they have for a long time. There is virtually no one who does not at least know someone who smokes it. But few people know or understand the potential consequences cannabis can have when it comes to their health, and for that reason, and because many people wonder if medical cannabis might help their ailments, we present the first question and answer segment with Dr. Phillip Leveque, Oregon's top expert on medical cannabis.
Source: by Bonnie King, Salem-News (OR) Part 1: http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may172007/leveque_marijuana_51707.php View a 9 minute video interview with the doctor:
http://www.salem-news.com/articles/may042007/leveque_5407.php
May 7, 2007 ASA email:
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4598
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4647 |
