Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 Source: Auburn Journal (CA) Copyright: 2006 Gold Country Media Contact: http://www.auburnjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/530 Author: Stan Guido Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) MEDICAL POT IS THREAT TO DRUG COMPANIES Regarding the current firestorm over medical cannabis, I felt compelled to share with your readers some facts about how marijuana first came to be illegal. This information was taken from the History Channel specials on Drugs in America. During the early part of the 20th century, a handful of southern congressmen conspired to fan the flames of racial hatred toward black men by claiming that pot caused these men to become crazy and seek out white women to assault and rape. They held up as an example one case of such behavior, isolated and not worthy of a blanket indictment. Nonetheless, they marched into the halls of Congress and told their story. In a climate of fear and panic, a bill outlawing cannabis was passed into law. Today, the major pharmaceutical companies are carrying the torch to keep cannabis illegal. Why? They are the prophets of profits and medical marijuana would severely hinder their ability to sell us many of the chemical pain relief remedies we now use. Don't believe me? Look in the congressional records. Also, figure out who is supporting keeping this organic weed illegal and out of the hands of those who desperately need it. Seek and ye shall find. Stan Guido - --- MAP posted-by: Derek