Friday February 18, 2005 – 7:30 p.m. at the Almonte United Church Social Hall
Speaker: Peter Fried
Topic: A Joint a Day Keeps the Doctor Away – Possible Medical uses of Marijuana
Peter Fried is Professor of Psychology at Carleton University and has been in that Department since 1968. About 30 years ago, he began examining the consequences of marijuana smoking, particularly, the effects of long term use. In 1978, work began on investigating the possible impact that drug may have upon pregnancy and offspring. This seminal work, still ongoing, has involved following the same offspring from birth to young adulthood. It has resulted in over 100 scientific publications and is the most widely cited research in the field. As a result, Dr. Fried has been involved in numerous international panels, governmental committees and other marijuana related research undertakings underway at various institutions. One of the latter is an investigation of some of the issues dealing with the medical use of marijuana.
The Almonte lecture will discuss a number of aspects centered around marijuana as a treatment for a variety of illnesses. Included in the talk will be the Canadian government’s position, other countries’ approaches, evidence (both supportive and non-supportive) for marijuana’s efficacy, and a few non-medical conundrums (e.g. how should it be administered, should patients receiving the drug be allowed to drive?). However, no samples will be provided.
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