Pubdate: Tue, 01 Apr 2008
Source: Amarillo Globe-News (TX)
Copyright: 2008 Amarillo Globe-News
Contact:  http://amarillonet.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/13
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n333/a07.html
Author: Bruce Mirken

JURY RECOGNIZE NEED

(Re: News article, "Man acquitted in pot case," March 28.)

Tim Stevens is fortunate that a jury recognized his legitimate 
medical need for marijuana, which is well documented in scientific 
studies to relieve nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms - often when 
conventional drugs fail. But patients like him should not have to 
depend on luck and an open-minded jury.

Recently, the 124,000-member American College of Physicians cited a 
"clear discord" between current laws and the scientific consensus 
regarding marijuana's value as a medicine, and strongly called for 
legal protection for patients who need medical marijuana. It's time 
for legislators - on the state and federal levels - to put aside old 
misconceptions and prejudices and enact clear protection for patients 
whose lives and well-being depend on medical use of marijuana.

Bruce Mirken

Communications Director

Marijuana Policy Project

San Francisco
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom