Pubdate: Sun, 21 Aug 2011
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2011 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Note: Letters from newspaper's circulation area receive publishing priority
Author: Robert Galia
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n530/a05.html

MARIJUANA WORKS; JUST ASK A PATIENT

I want to thank Donald Polzin for this very timely letter Wednesday 
("Pot temporarily masks problem") asking for a scintilla of proof 
that cannabis can enhance one's health.

At the dispensary where I work we have just this week decided to 
start compiling our patient questioners into an organized, 
statistically viable database for all to see. Just browsing through 
the first few hundred we can see that we are having great success 
completely curing migraine headaches. One small $5 cookie a day and 
they are gone for most patients. Our edibles are also first choice 
for those with sleep disorders and chronic pain conditions. Our 
sativa strains are very effective in relieving many anxiety 
disorders. The most rewarding testimonials come from people who now 
are avoiding toxic, addictive synthetic pills.

What's compelling about these surveys is that these patients have at 
this point no reason to lie. The questions are answered voluntarily 
and anonymously.

I first got interested in cannabis because it helped me overcome a 
serious substance abuse problem, and for the most part, it's been a 
blessing working at a dispensary, but it's also been a curse. I can't 
be anonymous. I have to stand up and fight for patients' rights 
because I've seen the truth.

It just hit me why law enforcement hates us - we are proof that 
cannabis is a medicine, and that patients can use it safely and responsibly.

For more information please read "The Pot Book," edited by Julie Holland.

Robert Galia, Chico
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom