Pubdate: Sun, 15 Mar 2009
Source: Birmingham News, The (AL)
Copyright: 2009 The Birmingham News
Contact:  http://al.com/birminghamnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/45
Author: Margaret Ann Newman

IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE

I was Ms. Wheelchair Alabama 1996, and I carried the Olympic torch
through Birmingham. I am a wife, mother, grandmother and medical
marijuana user. I have suffered from multiple sclerosis since 1982.

Medical marijuana reduces muscle spasms so I can get good, restful
sleep instead of being awakened often throughout the night. I can wake
up aware of the world and not with a doped-up feeling that legal
medications give me. Medical marijuana gives me a quality of life so I
can enjoy my grandchildren while they are little.

Acquiring marijuana puts my family at risk. If one of my family
members were arrested and jailed for buying my medicine, my whole
family would be devastated. What if they were killed trying to get
medicine for me? Who would care for me then? My doctors know I use it
but cannot recommend it for fear of losing their medical licenses.

A bill in the Alabama House of Representatives would provide
protection under the law for physicians who recommend medical
marijuana and protect the patients from arrest and
prosecution.

Please call the members of the committee and ask them to support the
bill when it comes before them for a vote.

Margaret Ann Newman

Homewood
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin