Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jun 2003
Source: Maneater, The (Columbia, MO Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Maneater
Contact:  http://www.themaneater.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1283
Author: Christopher Largen
Note: Christopher Largen Co-author of "Prescription Pot"
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MARIJUANA HAS MEDICAL VALUE
My best friend and co-author, George McMahon, is one of five citizens
who can legally smoke marijuana in every U.S. state. As a National
Certificate of Heroism recipient for his participation in the
President's Drug Awareness Program, he receives 300 pre-rolled joints
monthly through the little-known FDA program to treat pain, spasms and
nausea.

Prior to his acceptance in the federal marijuana program, he had been
through 19 major surgeries and was taking 17 different pharmaceutical
substances. For the past 12 years, he has smoked 10 joints each day
and hasn't had a single surgery or hospitalization, and he no longer
takes any pharmaceutical drugs.

If the federal government is correct in claiming that marijuana is
dangerous and addictive with no medical value, then why have they
given it to sick and dying people for more than 20 years? On the other
hand, if marijuana has medical value, why are federal officials
denying state autonomy, closing down marijuana clinics operating
within their state laws and arresting patients? This conundrum demands
resolution.

Christopher Largen Co-author of "Prescription Pot"