vol1 - Page 186
Page 186
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Mexico found resistance and an uncooperative attitude in FDA,
which lasted for several months during _ich time several New
Mexico patients waiting to receive care died. Realizing that FDA
was not responding to its efforts, New Mexico officials
considered alternative ways to implement the program avoiding FDA
completely° An option considered was the use of confiscated
supplies of marijuana held by the local police department. It
was onlywhen New Mexico officials made FDA aware of these plans
and indicated the state was prepared to publicly expose FDA's
inaction, the New Mexico program received FDA approval. The
program approved_ as noted abovee was not a double-blinds random
testing procedure but one where patients and physicians retained
ultimate control over the selection of drugs. This program
finally approved, labeled as a _compromise approach, _ came closer
to the intent of the New Mexico legislature. _7!/
b. Other Leaal Or_anizatioD_
A number of legal organizations have recognized
marijuana#s medical use in the treatment of emesis. The National
Association of Attorneys General (_NAAG _) issued a resolution in
June, 1983_ whereby, based on the existing scientific and medical
reports, it called on Congress and administrative bodies to
7_/ Affidavit of George Goldstein, _ 22-44. See i!l__q on the
Louisiana program, Affidavit of Dr_ John Bickers_ _ I0, 12
(inability to create viable program for treatment of cancer _
patients due to mdisconcertingm attitude of federal officials)_
Affidavit of Dro Philip Jobe_ _ 23 (lack of adequate response
from FDA to state efforts to establish program of patient care);
on California program, Affidavit of Dr. Ivan Silverberg_ _ 77
(lack of treatment flexibility in executi_on of program was
contrary to spirit of the state law) o
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