Pubdate: Fri, 19 Dec 2003
Source: Ocean County Observer (NJ)
Copyright: 2003 Ocean County Observer
Contact:  http://www.injersey.com/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1212
Author:  Scott Russ

MANY STUDIES PROVE VALUE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Drug warriors say that there are no studies proving that cannabis has 
therapeutic value, yet our own scheduling of cannabis has made it all but 
impossible to study. How convenient.

There is plenty of research available. Here are just a few examples of 
studies proving Terrence Farley, Ocean County first assistant prosecutor, 
wrong. There are, of course, many more.

"2003 Marijuana and Its Receptor Protein in Brain Control Epilepsy" -- 
Robert J. DeLorenzo, M.D, PhD - Virginia Commonwealth University Department 
of Neurology.

"2003 Cannabinoids Prevent Seizures" - Dr. Giovanni Marsicano, of the Max 
Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, Germany.

"2002 Inhibition of Skin Tumor Growth and Angiogenesis in vivo by 
Activation of Cannabinoid Receptors" - Manuel Guzman, Madrid, Spain.

"1999 The Accumulated Data Indicate a Potential Therapeutic Value for 
Cannabinoid Drugs" - IOM Report by the National Academy of Science.

We are now getting reports of studies from several nations, including our 
own, confirming the successful use of cannabinoids to treat muscular 
sclerosis, epilepsy, cancer and other sicknesses.

Other nations are distributing cannabis and cannabis-based medications via 
prescription and compassion clubs to those who benefit from its use.

In America, we incarcerate those who try to alleviate their pain and 
suffering by using cannabis.

It's no coincidence that our brain is filled with cannabinoid receptors.

Humans were meant to use this natural medicine and our government will one 
day be held accountable for prosecuting sick and dying Americans.

As the son of a medical marijuana patient and epilepsy sufferer, the bottom 
line here is that we don't need any more research in order to justify the 
removal of criminal sanctions for those who have exhausted all other 
options and need cannabis to live their life free of pain and suffering, 
period.

I suggest Farley find another group of Americans to terrorize.

SCOTT RUSS

Baton Rouge, La.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman