Pubdate: Wed, 6 May 1998 Source: Press & Journal ( Aberdeen) UK Contact: editor@pj.ajl.co.uk Website: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/ Author: David Perry

SCIENTIST CALLS FOR NEW CANNABIS LAW

A Leading Aberdeen academic is to urge Parliament to legalise cannabis as a medicine which doctors can prescribe.

Dr. Roger Pertwee of Aberdeen University is to tell a House of Lords committee a strong case can be made out on the grounds of "commonsense and compassion" for allowing cannabis derivatives to treat muscle spasm.

He has submitted written evidence to the Science and Technology Committee, studying the medical use of the banned drug, that there is sufficient evidence to warrant additional clinical studies with cannabis-derived medicines for the management of several disorders including multiple sclerosis, spinal injury, glaucoma, bronchial asthma and pain.

Dr. Pertwee, reader in Biomedical Sciences in the Institute of Medical Sciences, describes in detail how the various constituents that make up the cannabis used by drug abusers can help those suffering crippling medical conditions.

He reveals that one derivative is already licensed for use to suppress nausea and vomiting caused by life-saving anti-cancer drugs.

And he suggests another "may also have therapeutic uses, for example in reducing memory deficits associated with ageing or neurological diseases."

Dr. Pertwee insists smoking cannabis is toxic and probably causes cancer, but it can be taken orally, and tincture of cannabis was available under prescription in the UK until 1971.

Some individuals "self medicate" by eating cannabis leaves or resin in cakes or fudge, or even drink cannabis tea.

In his evidence, he said legal prescribing would seem better than many otherwise law-abiding patients who feel so strongly that they should have to self-medicate with cannabis having to risk discovery and punishment.

Dr. Pertwee will have to defend his views before experts on the committee on Tuesday May 12.