Pubdate: Wed, 06 Aug 2003
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2003 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Erin Hildebrandt
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1139/a04.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

EASING THE PAIN WITH POT

As a patient with Crohn's Disease, I've seen dramatic improvements in my 
symptoms because of using medical marijuana. Cannabis is no more a magic 
cure-all than morphine, but this makes me no less grateful for the relief 
they both provide. I don't believe our nation would have benefited had I 
been taken from my children and thrown in prison for choosing an herbal 
remedy.

Andrea Barthwell's attitude is willfully ignorant ["More Tests Needed on 
Medical Marijuana Use," Viewpoints, July 28]. Whatever else we can say 
about marijuana, with budgets stretched to the breaking point and prisons 
overflowing, society does not benefit when we throw sick people in prison 
for trying to feel better.

Erin Hildebrandt

Smithsburg, Md.
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