vol2 - Page 218

 65. Marijuana, by adding to the lOP reductions available
 to patients through the use of conventional medications, may
 bring IOP under control and allow the patient to retain his
 eye.
 _ 66° As a result of my evaluations, and studies into
 , marijuana_s IOP reducing effects, conducted over the last
 decade, it is clear to me that marijuana can be of significant
 benefit to glaucoma patients with SEnd Stage _ glaucoma_
 67. Marijuana can dramatically' reduce lOP, even in
 patients who are tolerant to most forms of lOP reducing agents.
 ....... 68. When patients receiving marijuana on an out-patient
 basis were evaluated, it became clear that these patients
 required less potent and/or fewer conventional drugs to help
 control their glaucoma.
 69. Marijuana is not without side effects. While
 performing my studies at the University of North Carolina, i
 ........ encountered several instances where marijuana inhalation
 resulted in a sudden_ dramatic reduction in blood pressure.
 This problem, seen in approximately three patients, was never
 life-threatening_ but it was very disconcerting. Treatment of
 this side effect consisted of having the patient lie down for a
 few minutes until blood pressure recovered.
 70° This effect -- orthostatlc _hypotension) closely
 resembles the typical fainting syndrome °-- patients coming
 close to fainting after smoking marijuana. For example, there
 Is little evidenc# of such an effect among cancer patients
 - 13 -