WASHINGTON, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Health officials have released an expert panel's report about the possible medical uses of marijuana and -- in short -- the report says more and better research into the issue is needed.

The National Institutes of Health made the group's report available even as NIH reviews its contents and conclusions.

The group of eight doctors and medical professors met in February to evaluate scientific studies on marijuana and to consider the need for, and feasibility of, additional research.

The experts state they have "varying degrees of enthusiasm" to allow smoked marijuana for several medical conditions, including glaucoma and the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. They say their enthusiasm is "tempered," however, because effective, alternative treatments are already available for many of these problems.

The panel points out several concerns about smoked marijuana, including adverse effects on the lung and other long-term effects in patients with chronic illnesses, such as impairment of the immune system.

Proponents of medical marijuana think it should be made available to, among other things, stimulate appetite and induce weight gain among patients suffering from AIDS-associated weight loss.

NIH director Harold Varmus says the NIH, as always, is open to receiving applications for research grants for studies into the medical efficacy of marijuana.

White House spokesman Mike McCurry said the administration supports scientific study of this issue. He said, "We're always open to factual information."

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