Pubdate: Mon, 05 Mar 2001
Source: Frederick News Post (MD)
Copyright: 2001 Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company
Address: 200 East Patrick Street, PO Box 578, Frederick, MD 21705-0578
Fax: 301-662-8299
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Author: Kenneth Smith

ADMINISTER TO THE PAIN

Christopher Petrella's letter ("No marijuana for sick people," Feb. 
24) asks "What is the benefit of this, other than having the sick 
escape from reality?"

At the risk of going out on a limb, I would say that is the benefit 
that we should all consider when discussing the medical use and 
administration of drugs. If we as a society refuse to administer to 
the pain and needs of our extremely ill (particularly the terminally 
ill), we reduce ourselves to that of the inhumane.

Would Christopher want to endure pain such as that caused by cancer 
if the conventional treatments and drugs failed? Would he want his 
family to endure this? Would Christopher Petrella change his stance 
at his convenience if this were to happen or would he insist that his 
wife/mother/child endure extreme pain with no escape because certain 
drugs have the stigma of being illegal?

Kenneth Smith
Frederick
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