Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 Source: Isthmus (WI) Copyright: 2005 Isthmus Contact: http://www.thedailypage.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/215 Author: Will Warlick Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n1313/a06.html POT ETHICS Regarding your story "Will Wisconsin Allow Pot as Medicine?" (8/12/05): Allowing this drug for medical purposes is the ethical thing to do. I knew a cancer patient who could have benefited from this drug. The worst part of her disease was watching what chemotherapy did to her. We had heard that marijuana could have helped with nausea and loss of appetite far better than the available drugs, but she never had the benefit of using it. Those who frame the debate otherwise do a disservice to the suffering patients who truly need medical marijuana. This includes proponents of marijuana as a recreational drug, the media who spice up stories with intimations of broader legalization and depiction of counterculture images, and opponents who cling to unsubstantiated theories that the medical use would encourage recreational use. I support state Rep. Gregg Underheim's proposed bill, and am heartened to see this kind of level-headed, ethical action by a political leader. Will Warlick - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake