Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jun 2005
Source: Wall Street Journal ( US )
Section: Pg A11
Copyright: 2005 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.wsj.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/487
Author: Diane Fallon
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm ( 
Cannabis - Medicinal )
Bookmark: 
http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 ( 
Chronic Pain )

MARIJUANA DECISION IS WORSE THAN YOU THINK

When I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma a few years ago, my 
primary concern, other than wondering if I'd still be above ground in 
a year, was how sick I would get from the drugs.  While this was 
something I would not know until the drugs actually flowed through my 
veins, I did know, without doubt, that I would smoke marijuana, if 
need be, to combat the bad side effects.  Personally, I didn't give a 
hoot about anyone else's opinion or the law.

The Supreme Court ruling was truly astounding.  I suspect, however, 
that most people, sick or not, feel exactly as I do -- who cares? Who 
is anyone, judge, senator, priest or doctor, to tell me what I can 
put in my body to help me deal with sickness? And what kind of people 
think they have the moral authority to do so? Their arrogance is sickening.

This recent decision speaks volumes about the law as well.  Most laws 
have nothing to do with what's right or wrong, but rather what's 
politically expedient.  A law is only as good as the person who makes 
it, and if the person who makes it is a jackass, then, ergo, the law 
is a jackass as well.

Living with a potentially life-threatening illness really isn't so 
bad.  I'm in complete charge of my health and I know that there are 
people who are a lot sicker than me.

Diane Fallon

Irvine, Calif.  
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MAP posted-by: Beth