Pubdate: Tue, 28 Aug 2001
Source: Silver City Daily Press & Independent (NM)
Copyright: 2001 Silver City Daily Press
Contact:  http://www.thedailypress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/944
Author: Rich Rytter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?194 (Hutchinson, Asa)

THE NEW HEAD OF THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION

Dear editor,

The new head of the drug enforcement administration says he will 
enforce the ban on medical marijuana. He says there is no scientific 
evidence of its therapeutic value.

He is either lying or he refuses to read medical reports from the 
U.S. government, or other studies from around the world. Are we 
supposed be proud to have a head of the DEA who wants to arrest the 
sick and dying?

These are the final conclusions from a U.S. National Academy of 
Sciences, Institute of Medicine report from March 1999: "Scientific 
data indicate the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs, 
primarily THC, for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and 
appetite stimulation.

"Except for harms associated with smoking, the adverse effects of 
marijuana use are within the range tolerated for other medications."

Canada as of July 30 has a national medical marijuana program. The 
European countries do not prosecute their citizens for any kind of 
cannabis use.

We are a mean-spirited society. Whatever happened to compassion? I 
guess it's time to go to Canada.

(s)Rich Rytter

Pinos Altos
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MAP posted-by: Josh