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Bonn, Germany -- The federal drug czar, Christa Nickels, has asked for a debate on the acceptance of cannabis for use as a medicine. The discussion should be engaged without "ideological blinkers," she told the German Press Agency in Bonn on Sunday. "The suffering of patients with illnesses such as MS, Cancer or AIDS could be eased with cannabis," she said. "Cannabis is really a soft drug and has been classified as a prohibited substance along with the hard drugs. In past years its use as a medicine has not found broad acceptance because of the possibility of abuse." Research has been conducted in isolated instances in the USA and Canada. Ms. Nickels enthused over the recent English initiative in the House of Lords to admit the use of cannabis for the treatment of AIDS, cancer and certain forms of paralysis. "We must consider making that a part of our agenda here in Germany," she said. The Greens party politician announced that she would bring the discussion of the so-called legal drugs, such as alcohol and prescription medicine into sharper focus. In the face of two and a half million alcoholics and another million addicted to prescribed drugs, more education is necessary. In negotiations with the liquor industry, she will strive for a reduction in the amount of advertising for beer, wine and spirits. Copyright German Press Agency In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 and The Berne Convention on Literary and Artistic Works, Article 10, news clippings are made available without profit for research and educational purposes. |
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