Pubdate: Sun, 24 Oct 2004 Source: Montana Standard (MT) Copyright: 2004 Montana Standard Contact: http://www.mtstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/609 Author: M. McGeever Cited: Initiative 148 http://www.montanacares.org/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Initiative+148 (Initiative 148) POT COULD HELP CHRONICALLY ILL In order to explore all alternatives to relieve pain of the chronic sufferer, we, as a society should try to remain open to anything that has proven to be effective. Many prescription drugs, already on the market do help, but some have severe side effects. So marijuana is considered a drug, so is oxycontin and morphine and many others, available by prescription. Most drugs are derived from chemicals, plants, even snake venom. If marijuana were legalized in Montana for medicinal use, it shouldn't be any more of a problem in accessibility, as are other prescription pain relievers. My own opinion is, if it does the job to relieve pain, and the side effects aren't too severe, marijuana could help many who are suffering indescribable pain. It probably wouldn't be all that easy to obtain as any other prescription drug, or be more of a problem to young people who are already or will be experimenting with some type of drug. If marijuana is another effective alternative to relieve the pain of the chronically ill. I for one will give Montana Initiative 148 my vote of approval. Mrs. M. McGeever Butte - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake