Pubdate: Thu, 01 Jan 2004 Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA) Copyright: 2004 Chico Community Publishing, Inc. Contact: http://www.newsreview.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559 Author: Christopher Largen Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1960/a10.html FEDERAL BONG HIT Josh Indar cites federal claims that "even small amounts of marijuana are illegal to possess, grow, or sell" ["Weed win," Newslines, Dec. 18]. Perhaps he is unaware the U.S. government has cultivated and distributed medical cannabis cigarettes to a select group of patients, through a little-known program called Investigational New Drug, in existence since 1978. The feds use cannabis to effectively treat symptoms related to glaucoma, bone tumors, nail patella syndrome and multiple sclerosis. This should come as no surprise when considering the rapidly accumulating empirical and clinical research data from around the world. These studies indicate that cannabis can provide symptomatic treatment for AIDS, Alzheimer's and neuropathic disorders. The research is so convincing that Bayer Corp. is developing a sublingual cannabis inhaler, expected to be made available to patients in the United Kingdom next year. Cannabis has medical value. As more Americans become aware of this fact, our laws will inevitably change to reflect scientific reality. Then prosecutors can focus on real criminals rather than sick and dying people who use an herb with their doctor's recommendation. To quote Robert Randall, the first recipient of federal marijuana, "History indicates the most trivial of facts can implode the most powerful dogma." Christopher Largen Co-Author Prescription Pot Denton, Texas - --- MAP posted-by: Josh