Pubdate: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 Source: News & Star (UK) Copyright: 2006 News & Star Contact: http://www.news-and-star.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/797 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1707/a03.html Author: Lee Elswood SUPPORT FOR CANNABIS COUPLE PERSONAL beliefs aside, as a population we are now well informed of how cannabis alleviates some of the crippling and painful conditions which multiple sclerosis sufferers endure. These are often followed by horrendous side effects that some prescribed corporate drugs will bring the sufferer. I do not, as many others, believe in a policy of cannabis for all, but surely for those who will gain direct medical benefit from using this natural plant, a more tolerant approach should be used when dealing with medical cannabis users. The three defendants have made no profit from the years of service and support they have provided to the MS community and I personally believe that convicting them is an injustice and insult to the MS sufferers who have benefited from their help. Corporate drugs are not helping many of these people and self-medication using cannabis, if it shows a marked improvement in their health, should be allowed under government licensing. Lezley Gibson, her husband Mark and Marcus Davies have committed no crime, yet under UK law they have risked their own freedom to supply a medical service that many NHS listed doctors wish they could provide themselves. Lee Elswood Yeovil Somerset - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake