Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jul 2005
Source: Providence Journal, The (RI)
Copyright: 2005 The Providence Journal Company
Contact:  http://www.projo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/352
Author: Debra Nievera
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

PAIN, SUFFERING AND MARIJUANA

The July 18 Commentary piece by Joyce Nalepka ("Don't swallow drug 
legalizers' lies") completely ignored the real issue with Rhode 
Island's proposed medical-marijuana law: Should seriously ill people 
be put in jail for using marijuana under the advice of a physician?

I suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease, and I have 
tried other treatments. For the past 3 1/2 years, I have treated 
Crohn's with maximum allowable doses of Percocet. But long-term usage 
of Percocet leads to liver disease, and could eventually kill me. 
Sadly, my doctors tell me that I have already exhausted every legal 
medication for Crohn's.

Meanwhile, the major drugs used to treat arthritis -- such as Bextra 
and Vioxx -- have been recalled, because they are unsafe. Doctors are 
now prescribing addictive narcotics, such as Percocet and Vicodin, 
for arthritis.

Nalepka apparently feels that patients like me should have to risk 
liver failure or narcotic addiction, rather than use a relatively 
safe and natural treatment.

Luckily, the Rhode Island medical community and the vast majority of 
Rhode Islanders have more compassion and common sense than Nalepka. I 
hope that the House will again have the courage to listen to 
patients, doctors, and their constituents -- rather than irrational 
scare tactics.

DEBRA NIEVERA

Coventry
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MAP posted-by: Beth