Hello all,

I'm new to the CC Forums and I'm not sure if the is the right place to ask or not, but...

I suffer from severe pain caused by advanced arthritis and have been trying to talk to my doctor about natural treatments such as marijuana, with no avail. I have been having trouble managing my pain and want to explore this option.

The problem is that even though the Government of Canada has approved marijuana for treatment of arthritis, the Alberta College of Physicians recommends that Alberta doctors DO NOT prescribe medical marijuana. I spoke to them and their official word is that "No medical efficacy exists for marijuana." wow!

I had to ask them then, how did the Government of Canada approve the use of medical marijuana? Did Health Canada push for this based on hearsay alone? If no medical efficacy exists for marijuana, then why is there cannabis based medicines like Sativx and Marinol? The person on the other end of the phone didn't have anything intelligent to reply with. (Of course)

So it appears that I am back at square one. That is why I am here. I have talked to a few doctors with no help. It's always the same negative reaction.

How do I find a doctor that can help me in the Edmonton area?

Thanks for any input.

Talk with the good people (Todd and April) at High Way 420
6718-118 ave
Edmonton, AB
http://hwy420.alberta420.ca

Todd and April are also the founders of Edmonton 420 Cannabis Community = http://Edmonton420.ca/

Let them know Keith (Calgary 420) seen your message here on Cannabis Culture and sent you.

Keith

Thank you so much Keith, I will contact them right now.

Thanks again.

Extract from Granny StormCrow's list, which is everywhere.

ARTHRITIS

Cannabidiol is an oral anti-arthritic therapeutic in murine collagen-induced arthritis
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/full/97/17/9561

The Cannabinergic System as a Target for Anti-inflammatory Therapies
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/...000013/art00008

Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis
http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi...bstract/45/1/50

Suppression of fibroblast metalloproteinases by ajulemic acid,
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16927387

The antinociceptive effect of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol in the arthritic rat
http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/ebm...binoid_receptor

Synergy between Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol and morphine in the arthritic rat
http://www.unboundmedicine.com/medline/ebm...e_arthritic_rat

Rheumatoid arthritis, Cannabis based medicine eases pain and suppresses disease
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/33376.php

Pot-Based Drug Promising for Arthritis
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/...g-for-arthritis

Anti-inflammatory compound from cannabis found in herbs
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/200...ne/24060801.asp

ANALGESIC AND ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF CONSTITUENTS OF CANNABIS SATIVA L..
http://www.ukcia.org/research/AnalgesicAnd...nstituents.html

US Patent 6132762 - Transcutaneous application of marijuana
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6132762.html

Cannabis May Suppress Immune System
http://lupus.webmd.com/news/20030415/canna...s-immune-system

Immunoactive cannabinoids: Therapeutic prospects for marijuana constituents http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlere...;tool=pmcentrez

Follow this link for more useful info.

peace and pot

Yes, Granny StormCrow's list is a wonderful resource of information. I've checked it out quite a bit, and I've recommend it to anyone who will listen. lol

Yes, you are correct about the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons having sent notice to doctors NOT to prescribe marijuana for ANY reason. But the same notice was sent out in B.C. as well. There are 140 doctors in Alberta that have filled out the Health Canada authorization to possess and/or grow, you just have to find one. Most of us Albertans that have gone legal suffer grave and debilitating illnesses, and still faced hurdles with the medical establishment. I am so lucky to have my doctor, a true man of medicine.

Starting the search for an open minded doctor to treat spinal spondylosis and the spasms associated with my condition. My doctor, of the last 6 years, has no problem proscribing oxycoton and now zytran. This has caused my liver to start giving me problems and only helps with the pain not the spasms. For moral reasons, he will not consider the use of marijuana as medical, although he has seen with his own eyes...some cannot see.

Bluenoseboy, I have to ask, did your doctor actually use the words "For moral reasons"? I just have to ask, because I think it is absolutely morally irresponsible for a doctor to subject a patient to the black market when our government has approved cannabis as treatment.

I just came back from a doctors appointment and it appears I'm still being stonewalled, but the doctor actually said he sees the "glass barrier" I'm presented with and feels bad for my situation but still won't sign.

I'm astonished by the lack of logic from these "highly educated professionals". I don't mean to paint with broad strokes, I know they aren't all the same, but come on!

What can a fellow do ! The Alberta College of Physicians is handcuffing any doctor who has no personal experience with cannabis.
My doctor actually compared his "moral objection" to medical marijuana with his anti-abortion stand.
It is a task, one that feels like knocking down a wall with your head some days, but we will open their eyes and they will see.
The other option of hiding in the dark and treating ourselves is NO OPTION.