Pubdate: Thu, 10 Apr 2008
Source: Kalamazoo Gazette (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Kalamazoo Gazette
Contact:  http://www.mlive.com/kzgazette/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/588
Author: Jon Weeldreyer

DON'T LEGALIZE, BUT RESEARCH MEDICAL BENEFIT

I have been a psychologist and addiction counselor for 20 years. When
I started in this field, I believed marijuana was a drug of limited
danger or impact on the user.

My clients taught me quickly the consequences this drug brought into
their lives, including damaged health, lost potential, memory
difficulties and addiction. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is
currently initiating a $4 million research study to examine these impacts.

Having said that, it's vital the medical and pharmaceutical fields
actively pursue all potential medications from this powerfully
psychoactive plant just as they have the opium poppy. Marijuana
unquestionably has medical and psychoactive qualities as evidenced by
the responses from the Kalamazoo Gazette's respondents, including
reducing pressure in the eyes, pain relief, reduced nausea and
improved appetite. The problem with either legalization or
decriminalization of marijuana is its addiction potential, delivery
mechanism, toxicity and varied strength (with accompanied unstable
dosage).

As a result, I have learned to be a strong opponent of measures that
would allow legal possession and use of marijuana. I also am a strong
supporter of our government encouraging research into understanding,
synthesizing and manufacturing medications from marijuana for its many
potential medical benefits.

It is also important to find ways to make this expensive process worth
the investment by the pharmaceutical industry, yet affordable to the
many persons without insurance to assist them in accessing these drugs.

Jon Weeldreyer

Kalamazoo
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