Canadian Doctors Prescribing Higher, And Higher, Doses Of MJ

Canadian doctors have been increasing daily dosages of marijuana for patients using cannabis for medical purposes, Health Canada reports. The increase in prescribed dosages is noted in a recent report on the views of physicians regarding the use of marijuana, adding this information "surprised" most doctors when they were told during interviews.

It said the doctors identified seven "logical" explanations for the trend, including the perception Health Canada marijuana is "not as potent" as that produced and grown by patients or their suppliers.

Completed by Montreal-based Les Etudes de marche Createc, the study found physicians were unclear about Health Canada's maximum dosage recommendation, stating "not one participant was able to guess the maximum level." For most doctors, the report said, overdose was not a concern or even a consideration.

The study found unanimous agreement and even "enthusiastic support" among doctors for Health Canada to begin supplying dried marijuana to pharmacists trained to dispense it to patients, although they suggested the quality be improved and the price be reduced while insuring that medical insurance programs cover the cost.

The reporting of the so-called trend follows Health Canada's campaign last summer to keep doses below five grams, which included postings on its website referring to studies which indicated most medical marijuana users need only one to three grams daily.

Source: Montreal Gazette

Copyright: 2008, Ottawa Citizen