Pubdate: Mon, 13 Dec 2010 Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ) Copyright: 2010 The Sun Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/ Website: http://www.yumasun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258 Author: Betsy Trujillo Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n1021/a08.html MEDICAL MARIJUANA TAKES AWAY THE PAIN I understand how letter writer Red Chandler feels ("Some advantages to legal marijuana," Dec. 8) , but it doesn't seem he understands how someone feels that is in pain 24/7. The reason for the passing of the medical marijuana law was for those who need relief from being in constant pain. There are those who cannot take pain pills due to allergies. There are those who have a combination of different ailments that cause different types of pains that cannot be controlled. Being always in pain makes for a difficult life. Smoking marijuana relieves that pain, and yes it will help with revenue for the state. Better the state get the funds than a dealer who would triple the price the minute they find out usage is for medical reasons they. Pain - pain that never goes away - makes people look for remedies that are safe. Marijuana is safer than the pills that society would rather you take. Pills are chemicals that destroy your life. They are no different than the heroin and cocaine Chander mentions. In my opinion, marijuana is a natural herb that provides relief without the destruction that chemicals do. All anyone in pain wants to do is live life like they used to. A responsible individual limits their intake. Their love for life - not only their life, but everyone's - doesn't allow them to act reckless, as Chandler states. When someone is always in pain, they recognize the precious gift of life. All they want is a little relief. Marijuana does provide that relief. Good citizens don't want to go against the law, but sometimes they are given no choice because of the pain. The marijuana law helps ease the nagging thought of doing wrong. I understand how Chandler feels, but please understand that medical marijuana does provide relief for those citizens that have never abused the law. Thank you for your understanding. Betsy Trujillo Yuma - --- MAP posted-by: Matt