Pubdate: Wed, 20 Nov 2013
Source: Times-Tribune, The (Scranton PA)
Copyright: 2013 Townnews.com
Contact:  http://www.thetimes-tribune.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4440
Page: A14

POLITICS WRONG PRESCRIPTION

Pennsylvania is far behind the curve in recognizing that marijuana has
legitimate medicinal uses. A bill introduced this week by state Sens.
Dylan Leach, a Montgomery County Democrat, and Mike Folmer, a
Republican from Lebanon County, would begin the process of moving
medicinal pot use from the realm of politics to that of medicine.

The bill is far more restrictive than those in 18 states that have
approved medicinal marijuana use, and it simply does not entertain
legal general recreational use of marijuana.

Rather, the bill would authorize a specific form of marijuana
derivative, to be administered by dropper, for children who suffer
from seizure disorders and, potentially, others seeking relief from
chemotherapy treatment.

Doctors would be limited to prescribing marijuana-based medicines that
have a higher concentration of cannabidiol, the chemical in pot with
therapeutic applications, than tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive
agent in marijuana.

As Mr. Leach said while introducing the bill, there is no valid reason
to not make available non-addictive, non-intoxicating medicine to help
children deal with seizures.

It's not a law enforcement issue. It's not a political issue. It's a
health matter. Doctors in Pennsylvania should be empowered to use
pot-derived medicine in cases where it is appropriate.
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MAP posted-by: Matt