Pubdate: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR) Copyright: 2008 The Oregonian Contact: http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n128/a09.html Author: Teresa Keane ARGUMENTS DRAW LINE: CRIMINALS VS. PATIENTS I am a health care professional who works in a pain practice. Most days I see patients who report the positive effects of marijuana in treating their pain and, as important, improving their function and quality of life. There are several strong reasons that the Oregon Legislature and Kevin Mannix should leave Oregon's medical marijuana users in peace. First and most important, people who have cards are referred to as patients, not criminals. A drug-free workplace implies freedom from illegal drugs, not therapeutic medicines. Marijuana eases symptoms. Would co-workers prefer their colleagues to be on opiates to ease their pain? Many pharmaceuticals have a side-effect of sedation. These include antidepressants, antihistamines and drugs for allergies, just to name a few. People using any of these treatments need to be responsible and not operate heavy equipment or endanger themselves and others. Patients should not be victims of the failed drug war. Leave them alone. Teresa Keane Nurse practitioner Southwest Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake