Pubdate: Tue, 16 Jun 2015
Source: News & Observer (Raleigh, NC)
Copyright: 2015 The News and Observer Publishing Company
Contact: http://www.newsobserver.com/about/newsroom/editor/
Website: http://www.newsobserver.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/304
Author: Elliot Galdy
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v15/n308/a09.html

REEFER MADNESS

I understand The N&O's desire to present all sides of an issue, but 
sometimes science and facts override "fairness."  The June 9 letter 
"No medicinal purpose"  regarding medical marijuana was so full of 
misinformation and factually incorrect statements that it bears a response.

The reason medical marijuana is listed in the Controlled Substances 
Act as Schedule I has nothing to do with any actual inherent dangers, 
but everything to do with politics and dates back to the 1930s and 
then "drug czar"  Harry Anslinger.

Additionally, there are decades of research into the efficacy of 
medical marijuana's ability to treat and alleviate medical 
conditions, including epilepsy, cancer, HIV/AIDS, MS, ALS - the list goes on.

As recently as February, no less than the U.S. Surgeon General 
admitted that marijuana can be helpful for some medical conditions. 
So let's put a lid on "reefer madness"  hysteria and start looking at 
the science and the real-world effects in states like Colorado.

ELLIOT GALDY

DURHAM
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom