Pubdate: Thu, 10 Mar 2011
Source: Chico News & Review, The (CA)
Copyright: 2011 Chico Community Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsreview.com/chico/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/559
Author: Matthew C. Bently
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n148/a04.html

DOES MARIJUANA CURE?

Mr. Canzoneri claims that in order for medication to be classified as 
"medicine," the substance must "cure" something. This is false. There 
are many medications out there-hydrocodone, ibuprofen, aspirin-that 
do not cure anything, but simply decrease pain or suppress or reduce 
symptoms of disease.

Furthermore, just because the FDA failed to endorse the use of this 
medication does not prove anything. History is bereft with failures 
of the FDA to properly regulate medications and food for use in our country.

Medical marijuana has a legitimate medical use. It is possible that 
there may be criminal activity associated with medical-marijuana 
gardens, but as marijuana is legalized, the criminal element will 
fade. Again, look to our history and see the violence that was 
associated with Prohibition.

The time has come to legalize marijuana and stop wasting valuable and 
dwindling government funds on the war against marijuana. Regulate it, 
tax it, and use the proceeds to help pay for important services like 
education and universal health care.

Matthew C. Bently J.D.

Chico
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom