Pubdate: April 1, 1999
Source: Edmonton Sun (Canada)
Section: Letter of the Day
Copyright: 1999, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonSun/
Forum: http://www.canoe.ca/Chat/home.html
Comment: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor

Pot to ease the pain. Wish I had thought about that a few years ago when my
brother and friend both died after a five-year battle with cancer. Although
marijuana was illegal then and still is, I think they would have been
grateful for a few moments of relief.

Canada should legalize marijuana in a controlled environment for medicinal
use whether it's for cancer, HIV/AIDS or other serious illnesses.

What is the difference between this painkiller and other prescribed
medications? Many drugs are derived from various plants.

Some medications are more effective for some people and if marijuana works,
why not? At one point my brother was prescribed morphine which left him just
like a zombie. (He eventually said no to morphine.) Had he been allowed
marijuana, he would have been closer to his normal, upbeat self. When a
person reaches the beginning of the end, I think that person is beyond the
stage of being corrupted.

The issue becomes compassion.

Susan Cullen

(Most Canadians agree with you.)

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