Pubdate: Wed, 13 Sep 2006
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2006 The Gazette
Contact:  http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Pete Holzmann
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1210/a08.html?260956
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

MARIJUANA NOT AS BENEFICIAL AS WRITER WANTS US TO BELIEVE

Robert Melamede says science has shown marijuana "is safe and 
effective" ("Users of medical marijuana shouldn't be persecuted," 
Letters, Sept. 6). His letter dangerously overstates the case. His 
list of prevented diseases goes far beyond any scientific evidence. 
And while certain pain reduction and other beneficial effects have 
been found, there are also serious adverse psychoactive and 
cardiovascular effects that must not be ignored.

Dispensed as a medicine, marijuana would likely carry warnings 
ranging from dizziness and drowsinessto hypotension, depression, 
anxiety, blurred vision, impact on the unborn and more. Marijuana is 
considered as carcinogenic as unfiltered tobacco when smoked.

This isn't some prudish government policy, but the result of 
scientific observation. These facts can be verified by Googling 
sources from all sides of the discussion, e.g. IOM.edu, NEJM.org, 
CAM-Cancer.org and even NORML.org.

I have no problem with controlled use of powerful medications for 
specific purposes, especially pain relief for the seriously ill. 
After all, morphine, amphetamines and even cocaine have valid medical uses.

Pete Holzmann

Black Forest
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman