Pubdate: Sun, 3 May 2009
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2009 The Des Moines Register.
Contact: http://DesMoinesRegister.com/help/letter.html
Website: http://desmoinesregister.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Robin Crabtree

ALLOW POT USE TO EASE PAIN OF THE ILL AND THE DYING

Several years ago, a friend of mine who was diagnosed with terminal
cancer told of the incredible amount of pain he was suffering. With
plenty of guilt, he admitted he was smoking marijuana to alleviate the
pain and anxiety that accompanied it.

With pot, he could still live life with some dignity rather than tied
to a medical bed. Like most of us, he was a Joe six-pack drinker who
viewed illegal drugs with fear and disdain. When it came to viewing
life's end, he wanted a dignified death. Marijuana gave him that sense
of still living, whereas the morphine put him in a comatose state.

Why do we need the Iowa Pharmacy Board to determine whether marijuana
can be legalized for acceptable medical use - at taxpayers; expense -
when more than a dozen states have determined the legitimacy and
effectiveness of marijuana for those who experience chronic pain from
serious illnesses?

Our state Legislature claims an extreme interest in preventing
illnesses by passing no-smoking laws, but turns a deaf ear and lacks
the courage to help those who are dying and need relief by merely
passing a medicinal marijuana law.

Robin Crabtree, Madrid
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