Pubdate: Thu, 07 Aug 2003 Source: Union Leader (NH) Copyright: 2003 The Union Leader Corp. Contact: http://www.theunionleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/761 Author: John DiStaso, Senior Political Reporter Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) MMAs SEEKING SUPPORT Republican state Sen. Frank Sapareto heads a list of six legislators who have signed onto a letter to thousands of Granite Staters seeking support for the legalization of medical marijuana. Others on the Medical Marijuana Advocates' letter include Democratic state Reps. Jane Clemons of Nashua, Edgar Mears of Berlin, McKim Mitchell of Chesterfield and Jim Splaine of Portsmouth, as well as Republican Rep. Steve Vaillancourt of Manchester. The letter solicits contributions and outlines questions recipients should ask the candidates. Sapareto said he has no problem being involved in a campaign to heighten awareness of the issue, even if it is directed at Presidential candidates of the other party. A long-time advocate of medical marijuana, Sapareto said he saw its benefits when he worked 20 years ago in "experimental therapeutics" at the Michigan Cancer Foundation. "I've seen first hand that it alleviates the pain and suffering of patients who are looking for a last resort," Sapareto said. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin