Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2016
Source: Chico Enterprise-Record (CA)
Copyright: 2016 Chico Enterprise-Record
Contact:  http://www.chicoer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/861
Note: Letters from newspaper's circulation area receive publishing priority
Author: William R. Todd-Mancillas

'RECREATIONAL' MARIJUANA USE NOT AN ACCURATE TERM

Dolores wakes up in the morning with menstrual cramps. She takes 
Motrin and calls in sick. David has been working in the garden all 
day and his back aches. He takes Tylenol. Jan wrenched her wrist. To 
make matters worse, she has the mother of all headaches. She binds 
her wrist with an Ace bandage and takes two aspirin.

Would you describe as recreational their use of analgesics? Should we 
insist that they get doctors' written recommendations before being 
allowed to purchase them? Obviously, the answer to both questions is "No."

Why, then, do we describe as recreational the use of cannabis to 
treat these ailments, which, in fact, is effective in treating these 
ailments (Cannabis Pharmacy, 2014)?

Both detractors and anti-prohibitionists inaccurately emphasize 
recreational use of cannabis. Of course many people do use cannabis 
to induce mild euphoria? Is that so terrible? We do not disparage 
many millions of us who occasionally drink alcohol in moderation, 
which facilitates conviviality and bonding. "Just don't overdo it," we caution.

It would be more accurate and less derogatory to forego the sobriquet 
"recreational," which too readily conveys the impression that unless 
recommended by a physician, cannabis is used frivolously.

When used responsibly and knowingly, cannabis' utility is 
multi-faceted and deserving of less restrictive, less pejorative descriptors.

- - William R. Todd-Mancillas, Chico
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom