Pubdate: Sun, 13 Oct 2013
Source: Patriot-News, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 The Patriot-News
Contact: http://www.pennlive.com/mailforms/patriotletters/
Website: http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1630
Author: Ron Hess

WHY DOES PA. OUTLAW A MEDICINE THAT WOULD HELP ME?

I was diagnosed with dementia about four years ago. Symptoms preceded
the diagnosis by several years and caused me to take an early
disability retirement. Existing medication only works for a finite
length of time, that varies from patient to patient. I may have as
little as three years to recognize my children and
grand-children.

Medical marijuana is known to extend the cognitive lifespan. Gov.
Corbett has said he will categorically refuse to sign any law
legalizing medical marijuana. Congresswoman Schwarz has yet to make
her positon clear. John Hanger knows we are enforcing laws passed
without benefit of current medical evidence and wants to use it for
the public good.

Our federal government refuses to recognize overwhelming new evidence
contradicting current policy. To address this disservice to their
citizens, 20 states and the District of Columbia have legalized
medical marijuana. Another 15 states, including Pennsylvania, have
pending legislation to legalize medical marijuana in 2014. Amazingly,
legalizing it lowers health care costs by allowing the patient or
caregiver opportunity to grow their necessary supply.

The May primaries are near. We all need to become aware of what's at
stake for our personal future. If it happened to me, it can happen to
you.

RON HESS, East York
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MAP posted-by: Matt