Pubdate: Thu, 11 Mar 2004
Source: Delta Democrat Times (MS)
Copyright: 2004 Delta Democrat Times
Contact:  http://www.ddtonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2123
Author: Scott Russ
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n338/a02.html?30172

MEDICAL MARIJUANA NEEDED

Editor:

Thanks for publishing the letter (Delta Democrat Times, Feb. 25) by Gary 
Storck. For my mother and millions of other Americans medical marijuana is 
a matter of life or death.

Cannabis stops my mothers seizures where as more than 25 prescription 
medications have failed. Surgery to remove part of her brain was also 
considered but wasn't an option.

Our federal government would have Americans believe that medical marijuana 
is a cruel hoax or myth. There are more than 60 cannabinoids found in 
marijuana and synthetic THC, marinol, is but a single cannabinoid and 
doesn't provide the benefits of the natural plant.

There is no question that these cannabinoids have medicinal value, why else 
would pharmaceutical companies be scrambling to create synthetic versions 
of them?

Smoking marijuana isn't the only way it can be ingested. Patients can 
vaporize it, make tinctures or use it in teas and food items, so the 
harmful effects of smoking are no excuse for our government's actions.

We are now getting reports of studies from several nations, including our 
own, confirming the successful use of cannabinoids to treat multiple 
sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer and other sicknesses.

Other nations are distributing cannabis and cannabis based medications via 
prescription to those who benefit from its use.

In America we incarcerate those who try to alleviate their pain and 
suffering by using cannabis. It's no coincidence that our brain is filled 
with cannabinoid receptors.

Humans were meant to use this natural medicine and our government will one 
day be held accountable for prosecuting sick and dying Americans.

BTW, the DEA's own law judge Francis Young ruled in 1988 that: "The 
cannabis plant considered as a whole has a currently accepted medical use 
in treatment in the United States, there is no lack of accepted safety for 
use under medical supervision and it may lawfully be transferred from 
Schedule I to Schedule II. The judge recommends that the administrator 
transfer cannabis."

Here is a link to the complete ruling. Please note that his judgment was 
overturned by the administrator based on a technicality, not based on error 
of facts.

Scott Russ,

Baton Rouge, La.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom