First approved study of medical marijuana launchedMATEO, California The first federally approved study to give AIDS patients marijuana to determine whether the drug can effectively control their pain is under way in northern California. In November, the federal government authorized the use of marijuana it grew to be transferred to San Mateo County Health Center for a 12-week study. The center launched the study Tuesday. Patients will be given 15 marijuana cigarettes over a prescribed time and will be asked to keep a detailed log of their drug use, said Dr. Dennis Israelski, chief of infectious diseases and AIDS medicine at the center. The study will involve 60 AIDS patients who have pain in their limbs and who have already used marijuana. Supporters of the study hope it will determine whether marijuana relieves pain and increases appetites as many users claim. 11/06 Canadian study J Harm Reduction Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.