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Medical Marijuana
Pubdate: Fri, 27 Sep 2002
Source: Star-Ledger (NJ)
Copyright: 2002 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact: http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Jim Miller
MEDICAL MARIJUANA
My wife has had multiple sclerosis for over 30 years and can no longer move
her arms or legs. The painful spasms that she suffers from are best relieved
by an oral form of marijuana--butter, brownies or tincture. They are all
illegal here in New Jersey. Cheryl is mostly without medical marijuana, and
her suffering is increasing. People are always asking me why we don't move
to California where state law would allow Cheryl to find the relief that she
deserves. My answer was best exemplified by the Drug Enforcement
Administration action taken in Santo Cruz, Calif., on Sept. 5.
The DEA raided a medical marijuana cooperative and confiscated marijuana
plants after holding patients at gunpoint, including a paraplegic in a
wheelchair. Eighty percent of the patients being helped there are terminally
ill. Forty have died this year so far. The DEA has seen to it that many more
will end their lives with needless pain and suffering.
Rob Andrews is New Jersey's only congressman who supports states' rights to
medical marijuana. Make it an issue this year. Make congressional candidates
state their position. Most are afraid to explain a position that is so
heartless and unfounded. One day this will be recognized as the national
embarrassment that it really is.
Jim Miller, Toms River
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