Pubdate: Wed, 27 Sep 2006
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2006 The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Paul Peterson,

LIFE-SAVING ABILITIES OF MARIJUANA GOING TO POT

I saw an article in the "American Association for Cancer Research" 
journal noting how "Cannabinoids Induce Apoptosis of Pancreatic Tumor 
Cells...," describing how THC-9 (the active chemical in marijuana) 
worked to kill cancer cells.

In fact, from my previous research on the subject, some 10 cancers 
have already been shown to be sensitive to treatment with cannabis 
products - most in studies from overseas, owing to the "drug-war" 
mentality in this country.

The first findings about how marijuana can cure cancer were in 
Virginia in 1974 (breast cancer was one of the first ones found 
treatable with marijuana) and the U.S. government did its best to 
keep this secret.

However, Abbott Labs, in Illinois, has produced a THC pill called 
Marinol, which can legally be prescribed and - based upon this new 
research article - should be put to work on pancreatic cancer (and 
breast cancer) now.

Isn't it time for more information to be circulated about how 
marijuana chemicals already can be put to work to stop cancer now, or 
will we just keep our heads stuck in the muck of drug-war mania and 
let thousands of desperate cancer victims die?

Some 14 states already have laws on the books that allow medical use 
of marijuana for chemotherapy nausea, Alzheimer's and multiple 
sclerosis. When will Iowa join this trend to mercy for our own sick 
and dying? The Presbyterian Church USA just joined the battle for 
mercy; most other Protestant church groups already are on board.

Paul Peterson,

Storm Lake.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine