While medical marijuana is controversial, more doctors are waking up to the reality that Eric S experienced.
The National Cancer Institute at the NIH has posted a special section on their web site about cancer and marijuana
NIH cannabis
While the DEA prohibits any definitive tests, NCI points out
[quote]Cancer pain results from inflammation, invasion of bone or other pain-sensitive structures, or nerve injury. When cancer pain is severe and persistent, it is often resistant to treatment with opioids.

Two studies examined the effects of oral delta-9-THC on cancer pain. The first, a double-blind placebo- controlled study involving ten patients, measured both pain intensity and pain relief.[29] It was reported that 15 mg and 20 mg doses of the cannabinoid delta-9-THC were associated with substantial analgesic effects, with antiemetic effects and appetite stimulation.

In a follow-up single-dose study involving 36 patients, it was reported that 10 mg doses of delta-9-THC produced analgesic effects during a 7-hour observation period that were comparable to 60 mg doses of codeine, and 20 mg doses of delta-9-THC induced effects equivalent to 120 mg doses of codeine.[30] Higher doses of THC were found to be more sedative than codeine. [/quote]

Former Surgeon General Dr. Jocelyn Elders said back in 2004
[quote]The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relive certain type of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multile sclerosis, cancer and AIDS.[/quote]

Until the DEA allows real tests, all we have is anecdotal evidence and small studies like the ones noted above, but I'm with Eric S on this one.
Charm