Pubdate: Sat, 11 Oct 2008
Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Detroit Free Press
Contact:  http://www.freep.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n908.a04.html
Author: Maria Burden

NATURAL RELIEF FOR SOME

I am a medical student, and in a law and ethics class, my research
project was on medical marijuana. Before my research, I had not given
the subject much thought, but I am very convinced of the medicinal
viability of marijuana now. Some of my findings were:

. Marijuana was listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia as a viable medicine
up until 1942.

. Chemo patients report lessening of nausea, increased appetites and
ease of symptoms.

. Marijuana lessens the "wasting syndrome," a chronic and debilitating
condition of AIDS patients.

. It has been shown to help people with multiple sclerosis by
improving their motor functions, and decreasing ocular pressure in
glaucoma patients.

Marijuana is a natural plant that has been used for thousands of years
in many cultures for treatment of symptoms and disease. Withholding
something that could ease fellow citizens' suffering is gross
negligence. Many prescription pain killers on the market now cause
horrible addiction and various side effects. Marijuana costs pennies
compared to the prices of these "legal" drugs.

Maria Burden

White Lake
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake