It's the only thing he has found that reduces nausea and makes him feel hungry enough to keep eating. He asked the government some 20 months ago for access to legal, safe and affordable marijuana. He also has asked the courts for help. Health Minister Allan Rock announced last week that he has asked his officials to come up with a plan for research into marijuana and its possible medical benefits. There's some evidence the drug helps with pain, nausea and appetite loss associated with glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chemotherapy treatment for cancer, epilepsy, AIDS or arthritis.
Clinical trials can take years.
And while a number of medical organizations and activists said clinical trials are a move in the right direction, they want more. Health officials said they are also looking at ways to make marijuana available to people like Wakeford before the research is wrapped up. It's not yet clear how that will happen. An official promised details within a few months. But advocates for the medicinal use of marijuana remain skeptical.