norml02 - Page 39
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I intraocular pressures" see Pet° ii (citing Affidavit of Keith
I Green, Ph.D. _ i5), does not support their conclusion that it is
effective treatment for the chronic condition of glaucoma. In
I essencef the government's expert witness testified that there is
no evidence that marijuana reverses glaucoma and prevents the
l loss of eyesight_ See Final Order II, 57 Fed. Reg. at 10,501.
In view of the evidence submitted at the administrative hearing,
the Administrator properly found that there was no accepted
medical use for marijuana in treating glaucoma. 12
The record contains an abundance of anecdotal evidence about
I the use of marijuana to treat emesis˘ glaucoma and spasticity. I]
I The sources of such evidence include patients who suffer from
these conditionsf their family members and physicians. There is
I no dispute that these accounts about the ordeals of emesis,
glaucoma and spasticity are heartrending and that further
I scientific research into controlling these problems is necessary°
i These harsh rea!ities_ however_ cannot justify reliance on
anecdotal evidence and other inconclusive information to judge
i the usefulness of marijuana in treating these conditions° Under
the Administrator's reasonable interpretation of the statutory
standards only qualified experts can offer evidence as to
marijuana's medical usefulness and valid scientific studies must
_2 It should be noted that, even when using the lesser
standard of proofs the ALJ found insufficient evidence in the
record to show that marijuana has an accepted medical use in
treating glaucoma. ALJ 38-39.
i]
Spasticity refers to extreme muscle spasms associated
with amputation, paralysis or multiple sclerosis.
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