Pubdate: Tue, 01 May 2007
Source: Call, The (Woonsocket, RI)
Copyright: 2007 The Call.
Contact:  http://www.woonsocketcall.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2394
Author: Robert Love
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESTORES NORMAL LIFE TO CITY MAN

In the year since the medical marijuana program began, about 250 
patients have participated.

I don't presume to speak for all, but for myself, the results have 
been nothing short of astonishing.

I suffer from a variety of conditions that cause chronic, severe 
pain. After some seven years of treatment, my body simply can't 
tolerate the doses of pain medication necessary to have an effect, 
making it impossible to function at any acceptable level.

This program has helped restore my functionality, ending a long-term 
addiction to prescription painkillers, and has allowed me to 
participate in life after far too long a hiatus.

I would like to personally thank our legislature for their foresight 
and perseverance in initiating this program and encourage their 
continued support to see it through to permanence.

I for one don't want to be in the position of having to choose 
between functionality or freedom, nor do I wish to subject my family 
to arrest and prosecution for my choice of medical treatment. I 
simply want to participate in life while I'm still able.

The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act has 
been of tremendous benefit to a relatively small group of seriously 
ill patients and in my view it would be a genuine tragedy to see it expire.

Robert Love

Woonsocket
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman