MARIJUANA PATCH A POSSIBILITY

LEXINGTON, Ky., Aug. 20 (UPI) -- A University of Kentucky pharmacy researcher
is working to create a first-of-its-kind prescription patch to deliver
marijuana-like chemicals.

The patch could ease nausea and stimulate appetite in people with AIDS and
cancer, the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader reported.

"This is pioneering work," said David Ringer, scientific program director for
the American Cancer Society. "It's a very novel use of cannabinoids."

The patch would be a breakthrough because it could administer beneficial
marijuana chemicals without the need for inhaling. Smoking marijuana, even for
medicinal purposes, is outlawed in most states.

Stinchcomb's patch would use synthetic cannabinoids -- active marijuana
compounds created in a chemist's lab -- not anything extracted from the illicit
plant.

Once initial studies are complete, human testing could follow. If all goes
well, the patch could be commercially available in five years.