Pubdate: Fri, 23 Feb 2007
Source: Flint Journal (MI)
Copyright: 2007 Flint Journal
Contact:  http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/836
Note: Prefers to print letters from people in the area of The Flint Journal
Author: Shantell M. Kirkendoll
Cited: Flint Coalition for Compassionate Care 
http://www.minorml.org/flint_compassionate_care_coaliti.htm
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/George+McMahon

GROUP PROMOTES PROPOSAL TO OK MEDICAL MARIJUANA

FLINT- Marijuana cigarettes stacked in a prescription-labeled plastic 
tub were displayed Thursday during a news conference held by 
proponents of legalization of marijuana for medical use.

Flint voters will decide Tuesday whether to exempt those who possess 
or use medical marijuana under a doctor's care from being charged 
with a crime - although state and federal drug laws still would apply.

The news conference by Flint Citizens for Compassionate Care featured 
George McMahon of Texas, who receives 30 marijuana cigarettes a month 
through a federal program coordinated by the University of Mississippi.

He said marijuana relieves the pain and muscle spasms associated with 
nail-patella syndrome, a bone disease.

"It is medicine," he said.

He was joined by breast cancer survivor Barbara Hoos of Burton, who 
said marijuana restored her appetite and relieved pain and nausea 
during her chemotherapy and an unrelated back injury.

"I took pill after pill and got sicker and sicker," she said of 
painkillers OxyContin and Vicodin, which made her tired and did 
nothing to help her eat. "Everyone who needs it should have access to 
medical marijuana." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake