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 - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman