Pubdate: Tue, 05 May 2009
Source: Pocono Record, The (Stroudsburg, PA)
Copyright: 2009 Pocono Record
Contact: 
http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/static/forms/letter_form.htm
Website: http://www.poconorecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4529
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SUPPORT BILL MAKING MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGAL

A few Pennsylvania legislators are signing on to an important medical
advance: legalizing medicinal marijuana. State Rep. Mark Cohen,
D-Philadelphia, has only six co-sponsors so far for his bill. But at
least he is recognizing marijuana's palliative possibilities and
pointing out that Pennsylvanians in pain should not have to leave the
state for treatment -- or buy the drug from criminals.

Cohen's H.B. 1393 would allow the use of medical marijuana under
certain restrictions. The bill proposes dispensing it from "compassion
centers" run by a non-profit organization or, possibly, by a state
agency. Already 13 states have legalized medical marijuana; bills are
also under consideration New York, New Hampshire, Michigan and
Illinois. Related Stories

* Pa. lawmaker introduces medical marijuana bill

People have begun to understand that marijuana can ease the symptoms
and suffering of patients who are diagnosed with life-threatening
illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. For
patients for whom traditional medicine has not helped, medical
marijuana may offer hope for relief from pain, nausea, loss of
appetite and wasting. A 1999 Institute of Medicine study confirmed the
effectiveness of medical marijuana in relieving such symptoms.

Legislative endorsement of medical marijuana lags behind professional
opinion. Public officials don't want to seem "soft on drugs." But the
American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Public Health
Association, the American Nurses Association and the American Bar
Association have all advocated allowing patients access to medical
marijuana. Dozens of state and national polls have indicated
overwhelming public support for medical marijuana. Acceptance of
legalization for medical purposes has risen over time as the public
has learned more about the issue.

Opponents to legalization argue that marijuana can serve as a gateway
drug to other illegal substances. But consider that someone buying
marijuana must go through illegal channels, and most likely is buying
the drug from someone who also is selling other illegal drugs. Sales
tactics being what they are, purchasers are likely to hear a pitch for
something else. Controlling medical marijuana like other
pharmaceuticals, prescribing it for specific conditions or diagnoses
and making it legally available, would remove that illicit exposure.

Doctors ought to be allowed to prescribe medical marijuana, and
patients should be allowed to use it. For some of these afflicted
individuals, medical marijuana may be the best way to address their
suffering and improve their lives.

H.B. 1393's co-sponsors thus far are Philadelphia-area legislators.
Monroe County's state representatives John Siptroth, D-189; Mario
Scavello, R-176; Mike Carroll, D-118 and Michael Peifer, R-139 should
consult their constituents here in the Poconos. They might find
surprising support for legalizing medical marijuana -- and sign on to
Cohen's bill. 
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