Pubdate: Fri, 03 Dec 2004 Source: Stillwater News Press (OK) Copyright: 2004 Stillwater News Press Contact: http://www.stwnewspress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/789 Author: Ron du Bois Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Cited: http://members.aol.com/dpfok/ Drug Policy Forum Oklahoma MEDICAL MARIJUANA Drug Policy Forum of Stillwater is actively pursuing legislation to allow for the use of marijuana for debilitating illnesses such as chronic pain, muscle spasticity, nausea, wasting syndrome, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. In 11 states, doctors and patients decide if marijuana is the best medicine. Unfortunately in Oklahoma, citizens who need marijuana are treated like common criminals. They are locked up in our very overcrowded prisons and then we have to pay for their medical care. Our law provides no defense based on a medical necessity, even when a person cannot afford drug store medicines. The use of marijuana as medicine has found support in the American Nursing Association. The Oklahoma chapter published its support in an article written in the Oklahoma Nursing Times, July 28, 2003, that states: The ANA adopted a six-point resolution supporting research and prescription of marijuana for medical purposes. Drug Policy of Oklahoma wants Oklahomans to tell their stories or even testify to legislators about those who are either sick or in pain and who want or need medical marijuana. If you would like to help, contact Norma Sapp in Norman at (405) 321-4619. All calls will be kept private unless we have your permission. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek