Pubdate: Sun, 22 Jun 2014
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2014 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://tbo.com/list/news-opinion-letters/submit/
Website: http://tbo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: Paul ArmentanO
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v14/n504/a11.html

OUT OF TOUCH

Regarding "=C2=80=C2=9CNot your father'=C2=80=C2=99s marijuana"=C2=80=C2=9D
 (Our Views, June 10):
Those opposed to the therapeutic use of marijuana are out of touch
with both scientific and public opinion. Over 20 states and the
District of Columbia allow for the physician-recommended use of the
plant. This year lawmakers in Maryland and Minnesota enacted new laws
specific to cannabis therapy. New York legislators are anticipated to
approve a similar measure in the coming weeks. Additionally, in recent
months lawmakers in Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon and
Vermont enacted legislation expanding their existing medical marijuana
programs.

The science surrounding the safety and therapeutic efficacy of
cannabis is well established. A recent summary of FDA-approved
clinical trials assessing the safety and efficacy of inhaled cannabis
for a variety of debilitating conditions concluded, "=C2=80=C2=9CBased on

evidence currently available the Schedule I classification is not
tenable; it is not accurate that cannabis has no medical value, or
that information on safety is lacking."

Eighty-eight percent of Floridians support allowing patients to use
marijuana in instances where their physician has authorized them,
according to the latest (May 5) Quinnipiac University poll. The
majority agree that an adult should not face arrest and incarceration
for their consumption of a botanical product that is objectively safer
than the litany of pharmaceutical and recreational drugs it could replace
=2E

Paul Armentano

Washington, D.C.

The writer is deputy director of the National Organization for the
Reform of Marijuana Laws.
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MAP posted-by: Matt