Pubdate: Tue, 05 May 2009 Source: Philadelphia Daily News (PA) Copyright: 2009 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. Contact: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/about/feedback/ Website: http://www.philly.com/dailynews/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/339 Author: Mark B. Cohen MEDICAL POT IS NO JOKE THE JOCULAR reference in the May 1 Clout column to the medical marijuana bill that I've introduced did not include any of the reasons why I believe this is a necessary and vital step. Many people, especially as they age, suffer from serious diseases for which existing prescription treatments are inadequate. Marijuana can slow the progression of glaucoma and make other dreadfully painful diseases, like cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease, more bearable. There is a vast illegal trade in marijuana. Marijuana can be a gateway drug to deadly drugs because it is part of the same criminal distribution system. Allowing legal distribution in limited medical circumstances takes some of its users out of the criminal system. The medical uses of marijuana go back a long way. In 1937, when Congress made possession and sale of marijuana illegal for the first time at a federal level, the American Medical Association was opposed because marijuana was so widely used for medical purposes. There have been vast advances in prescription drugs in the years since marijuana was made illegal. But it's clear from scientific research and personal testimony that there are circumstances in which marijuana recommended by a doctor can do more for a patient than can prescription drugs. The legalization of medical marijuana is now law in 13 states. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has said that the federal government will not prosecute sales of marijuana that are legal under state law. There is substantial interest in the Congress in making medical marijuana available nationally, and a number of states are expected to legalize medical marijuana this year. Pennsylvania should be one of them. Pennsylvanians should not have to face the choice of either moving out of state or dealing with illegal drug dealers in order to gain needed treatment recommended by their doctors. State Rep. Mark B. Cohen Philadelphia - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D