Pubdate: Wed, 16 Jul 2003 Source: Union-News (MA) s/index.ssf(/A Copyright: 2003 Union-News Contact: http://www.masslive.com/unionnews/index.ssf Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/860 Author: Marcy Duda Note: Marcy Duda is Aug 2003 High Times Freedom Fighter of the Month Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Cited: Massachusetts Marijuana Bills HB207 and SB2329 MEDICINAL MARIJUANA USE SHOULD NOT BE A CRIME I am a mother who uses medical marijuana to help cope with intractable migraines. I have had five intercranial aneurysms and survived the brain surgery to remove them. Marijuana is the only medicine that adequately relieves my symptoms enough so I can live an enjoyable, productive and pain-free life. Unfortunately, the commonwealth of Massachusetts does not recognize medical marijuana. In the eyes of the law, I am a criminal for using this medicine that allows me to survive. There is some hope for me this year in the Massachusetts Legislature. There are two marijuana bills in the Joint Criminal Justice Committee (HB207 and SB2329) that, if passed, would make marijuana possession punishable by only a fine. I would still have to break the law to use my medicine, but at least I would not have to risk arrest, imprisonment and have my legal parental status threatened. I hope that my legislator on the committee, Rep. Reed Hillman, R-Sturbridge, keeps my plight in mind when he votes on the bills. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin