Pubdate: Sun, 22 Feb 2009
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Copyright: 2009 The Capital Times
Contact:  http://www.madison.com/tct/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73
Author: Gary Storck

MEDICAL CANNABIS EFFECTIVE FOR ELDERLY

Dear Editor:

Problems due to overmedication of seniors are just one more reason why
Wisconsin needs to join Michigan and 12 other states in passing
comprehensive medical cannabis legislation. As noted by Ann Albert in
her recent letter, medication management is vital for senior citizens.

Physicians and scientific researchers have found medical cannabis
effective in managing symptoms and treating illness associated with
aging. Medical cannabis has a number of properties that make it ideal
for senior citizens. Nontoxic cannabis works synergistically with
other medications, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate doses of
conventional medications, reducing side effects. Cannabis can replace
multiple meds: it treats many ailments common to older folks, like
glaucoma, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic pain.
Cannabis protects the brain against trauma from stroke or falls.

Wisconsin seniors and other patients who can benefit now from medical
cannabis should not have to risk arrest and jail for something not
only safer, but legally available to 25 percent of Americans under
these compassionate state laws. Wisconsinites and groups that care
about the health of state residents need to contact Gov. Jim Doyle and
their lawmakers and ask them to pass medical cannabis legislation this
session.

Gary Storck

Is My Medicine Legal YET?

Madison
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin