norml09 - Page 6
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Many risks remain unknown. Marijuana contains over 400
separately identified chemicals. No one knows all the
effects of burning these chemicals together and inhaling the
burnt mix° Are these risks outweighed by medical benefits?
There are scientific studies showing pure THC (Delta-9-
Tetrahydrocannabinoi)_ one of the many chemicals found in
marijuanas has some effect in controlling nausea and
vomiting. Pure THC is pharmaceutically made in a clean
capsule forms called Marinol_ and is available for use by
the medical community. More information on Marinol can be
found in the _Physicians' Desk References _' available in most
libraries.
Since marijuana contains THC_ you might think marijuana
also would be effective. However, the effect of taking a
drug in combination with other chemicals is seldom the same
as taking just the pure drug. As already noted, marijuana
contains over 400 other chemicals_ not just THC. There are
no reliable scientific studies that show marijuana to be
significantly effective in controlling nausea and vomiting.
People refer to the Sallan study as proving marijuana's
effectiveness° They are mistaken° The Salian study
involved pure THC_ not marijuana. People refer to the Chang
study to support marijuana's effectiveness. They also are
mistaken. Doctor Chang tested the combination of pure THC
and marijuana to treat nausea and vomiting. The preliminary
results he got were probably due to the THC, not the
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