Pubdate: Sat, 31 Oct 2009
Source: Monroe Times (WI)
Copyright: 2009 Monroe Publishing LLC
Contact:  http://www.themonroetimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4064
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n969/a02.html
Author: Kirk Muse

MARIJUANA SAFER, MORE EFFECTIVE MEDICATION

I'm responding the the outstanding op-ed by Sen. Jon Erpenbach,
D-Waunakee: "Time to consider medical marijuana" (Oct. 24).

I'd like to add that one of the medications prescribed by my personal
physician for my arthritis pain and inflammation has the rare
potential side-effect of death. In other words, if I take this
medication as prescribed, I can die as a result.

On the other hand, marijuana has never been documented to kill a
single person in the 5,000-year history of its use.

For me, marijuana is the more effective medication. Right now, if
adult citizens opt for the safer and more effective medication, they
are subject to arrest and being sent to jail with violent criminals.

Is something wrong with this situation? I think so.

Shouldn't adult citizens have the freedom to choose what goes into
their own bodies in the privacy of their own homes?

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz.

P.S.: I'm a former Freeport, Ill., resident.