Pubdate: Tue, 10 Mar 1998 Date: 10/03/1998 Source: Los Angeles Times (CA) Author: Michael Simmons Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v98.n842.a04.html Note: Headline by MAP Perhaps the American Medical Assn. is recommending a review of the demonized weed because there are stacks of scientific research that show it has numerous benefits and few side effects, not to mention anecdotal evidence. Has Gottlieb ever spoken to a cancer or AIDS patient who uses it? They usually prefer inhaled pot over Marinol because they can't adjust the dosage in pill form. The great irony is that the "legal pot pill" gets you more stoned than its inhaled parent. As for this sending the wrong message: Does prescribing opiates for those in chronic pain send a message that heroin is a desirable party drug? MICHAEL SIMMONS Los Angeles