Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jun 2007
Source: USA Today (US)
Page: 10A - lead letter
Copyright: 2007 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact:  http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Gary Storck

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS A KEY ALTERNATIVE

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Victor Montori's comments that his 
patients must choose medications on the basis of "the least painful 
poison," rather than by the benefit, exposes a plight affecting all 
patients ("Diabetics face risk on drug choices," News, June 5).

Many patients often begin exploring the medical uses of cannabis to 
treat the side effects of conventional medications. That's why it's 
so maddening to hear politicians say things such as, "There are other 
options," as Rudy Giuliani said recently when asked about medical 
cannabis for cancer patients.

Dr. Steve Nissen's comments at the Avandia hearing ("This is about 
patients; it's not about politics.") appropriately sum up what 
medical cannabis opponents refuse to concede: It's about money. The 
"poison" is not only painful but profitable, and a portion goes 
toward funding the sort of candidates, generally Republicans, who 
spout, "There are other options," while generations of patients are 
denied a safer, often more effective drug alternative.

Gary Storck, co-founder

Is My Medicine Legal YET?

Madison, Wis.
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