RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Expanding Medical Marijuana Access in Canada: Considerations for the Rheumatologist
JF The Journal of Rheumatology
JO J Rheumatol
FD The Journal of Rheumatology
SP jrheum.131514
DO 10.3899/jrheum.131514
A1 Mary-Ann Fitzcharles
A1 Shahin Jamal
YR 2014
UL http://www.jrheum.org/content/early/2014/08/26/jrheum.131514.abstract
AB Similar to the enthusiasm for treatment of various ailments that greeted Nicotiana tabacum when brought to Europe from the New World 500 years ago, Cannabis sativa is now hailed as a possible treatment for a multiplicity of symptoms1. Embraced by physicians and the people, from commoners to the aristocracy, the enthusiasm for Nicotiana tabacum was questioned by a discerning few with concerns about the “indiscriminate use of the herb for all diseases in all age groups without specific measured prescriptions”1. Much like for tobacco many years ago, marijuana as the byproduct of Cannabis sativa, with significant financial incentives, requires careful appraisal regarding true therapeutic potential. 1. Charlton A. Medicinal uses of tobacco in history. J R Soc Med 2004;97:292-6.