Pubdate: Sat, 21 Jan 2012 Source: Anniston Star (AL) Copyright: 2012 Consolidated Publishing Contact: http://www.annistonstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/923 Author: Coleen Cole SUPPORT MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL In the upcoming session of the Alabama Legislature, Rep. K.L. Brown of Jacksonville will introduce the Alabama Medical Marijuana Patients' Rights Act, which, if passed, would make the medicinal use of marijuana legal in Alabama. I believe marijuana is a better solution for chronic-pain patients than the traditionally prescribed drugs. Too many times, doctors prescribe Loritab, Percocet, Valium and Oxycotin for pain. Most of these drugs are addictive and contain acetaminophen. People on these drugs can become dependent on them, and the acetaminophen can cause deterioration of the kidneys -- not to mention that all these drugs have to go through the liver. Remember that some of these patients take these drugs for many years. Please write your legislator about this issue. If you knew someone or had a loved one who had to take these other drugs, you would agree with me. Also, please talk to your local power players, such as city and county elected officials and your pastor -- the people who have influence within a legislator's district. This is a valuable piece of legislation that would ease the pain and suffering of thousands of Alabama patients, but it will only be successful if people like you take the time to care. Coleen Cole Trussville - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom