Pubdate: Mon, 18 Jun 2007
Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, CA)
Copyright: 2007 Los Angeles Newspaper Group
Contact:  http://www.dailybulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/871
Author: Leo Greene
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

LEO'S STORY LOOKING FOR RELIEF, MORE TIME

Editor's note: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin reporter and videographer 
Leo Greene was diagnosed with ALS - Lou Gehrig's disease - on Aug. 
16, 2006. In a monthly column and through videos available at 
www.dailybulletin.com, Leo explains his thoughts and feelings as he 
confronts this terminal illness.

Medical marijuana could buy me time. Time to see my two younger sons 
graduate. Time to see another grandchild born.

Time, perhaps, for a cure to come along.

Special Section: Leo's Story

Marijuana protects the nerves and dramatically slows the progression 
of ALS and other fatal neurological disorders, according to reputable studies.

I point this out as a reminder and to provide a voice for those of us 
caught in the middle of what seems like an intensifying marijuana war.

Narcotics agents are busting pot farms left and right. The DEA has 
been raiding medical-marijuana dispensaries up and down the state. 
And the U.S. Attorney's Office has been filing criminal charges 
against medical-marijuana providers.

Though California voters legalized its use for medical purposes in 
1996, possessing or selling marijuana remains a federal crime.

For that reason, or out of fear dispensaries might attract the wrong 
kinds of people, some cities and counties are imposing moratoriums or 
outright bans on cannabis pharmacies.

In the meantime, the terminally ill are seeking a release from their 
suffering or the chance to eke out a few more days on this planet.

The studies supporting marijuana's life-extending and pain-relieving 
qualities are compelling.

Marijuana compounds lengthened the lives of laboratory animals with 
ALS in a 2004 study at the California Pacific Medical Center in San 
Francisco. The animals lived significantly longer, the equivalent of 
three years in human terms.

The only drug approved for the treatment of ALS extends life only 
three months, on average.

Human trials are said to be in the works, though not in this country, 
where researchers face federal obstacles.

Marijuana also relieves the muscle twitching and spasms associated 
with ALS. It can also reduce excess mucus, a common and nightmarish 
symptom that contributes to lung infections, choking and, all too 
often, suffocation.

"We use medical marijuana for some of the symptoms of ALS," said Dr. 
Tahseen Mozaffar, co-director of the MDA/ALS Center at UC Irvine. 
"Marijuana, or the chemicals in marijuana, may have protective 
effects on the brain cells."

Pot's nerve-protecting benefits extend to other diseases.

A study at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San 
Antonio found that marijuana-like compounds protected laboratory 
animals from the effects of Parkinson's disease.

For those with multiple sclerosis, marijuana appears to slow 
progression, as well providing symptomatic relief.

"Cannabis-based medicine is effective in reducing pain and sleep 
disturbance in patients with multiple sclerosis-related central 
neuropathic pain, and is mostly well tolerated," according to 
findings published in 2005 in the journal Neurology.

Marijuana also inhibits nerve degeneration in Alzheimer's disease.

In a study published last year, rheumatoid arthritis patients taking 
cannabis-based medicine reported significant relief.

And marijuana has long been shown to be effective in treating nausea 
and improving appetite for cancer patients on chemotherapy.

While a pharmaceutical grade of one cannabis ingredient is available 
with a doctor's prescription, it does not contain other potentially 
beneficial marijuana compounds.

As local officials consider banning or limiting the sale of medicinal 
pot, I ask them to keep in mind the voters who approved the use of 
medical marijuana.

And keep us in mind, too - the people with ALS, MS and Parkinson's.

We're only trying to buy a little time. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake