Pubdate: Thu, 24 Sep 2009
Source: Star-News (NC)
Copyright: 2009 Wilmington Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.wilmingtonstar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/500
Author: Alexis Skelley

LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In today's society, it has become the standard to turn to 
prescription pills for the treatment of any and all medical 
conditions. The side-effects of the majority of these prescription 
medications can be unpleasant ... There is an herb whose therapeutic 
use has been documented as early as 5,000 B.C. that can serve as a 
natural and less invasive alternative ... This remedy is known as 
marijuana, (which) has been scientifically proven in modern medical 
research to effectively alleviate the pain and symptoms of a wide 
range of debilitating medical conditions, including multiple 
sclerosis, cancer and AIDS.

The physician-recommended use of medical marijuana is now legal in 
several prominent world nations and 14 U.S. states, all of which 
demonstrate affirmative outcomes. As a health education specialist, I 
urge state lawmakers to consider ... House Bill 1383, which would 
allow for legal, safe access to medical marijuana by a licensed 
physician to ease the suffering of debilitating medical conditions. 
.. The legalization of medical marijuana allows patients to take 
control of their own health and not rely on the treatment of the 
prescription medications ...

My support of this bill is determinant on the provisions and 
regulations, which I view to set an effective and reasonable 
operation for distribution of marijuana in a medically professional 
framework. ...

Alexis Skelley, Carolina Shores
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake