Here's something that's sure to ruffle a few feathers.
The Canadian government has given its approval to a new drug (a spray taken orally) aimed at relieving the pain of sufferers of multiple sclerosis (MS). The catch: it's made from cannabis. Medicinal marijuana finally getting government sanction. Who would have thunk it just a few years ago?
If this drug actually helps relieve the pain, I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. What's worrisome is the same problem that has turned Oxy-Contin (TM) from a Godsend for backpain to a scourge. In that case, someone figured out that the drug, when ground up, has the same kick as pure heroin. Drug stores across Canada and the United States have reported break-ins from drug pushers as well as abusers who need their kick, desperately.
Could the same thing happen here? People looking for their kick from cannabol even though Vitamin THC has been removed (to ensure compliance with the States' zero-tolerance drug policy)? I'm not entirely sure the powers-that-be in Ottawa completely thought this one out. There needs to be strict controls on who can use it and stiff penalties for those who are caught with it but do not have the necessary prescription.
The reported price of the drug in Canada is about $120 (about $100 US) for 50 doses. The recommended daily allowance is about five a day. Quite a hefty price by Canadian standards. I can't wait to see what the price will be in the States. Probably triple that -- but that wouldn't surprise me for a nation that believes that breast cancer and AIDS medication should be more expensive than crack cocaine or heroin. As Chris Rock would say, "That ain't right."
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