Pubdate: Mon, 20 Dec 2004
Source: Boston Herald (MA)
Copyright: 2004 The Boston Herald, Inc
Contact:  http://news.bostonherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53
Author: L.M.  Sevigny
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n1811.a05.html

A NEED FOR WEED

Howie Carr's portrayal of UMass' request to develop a  marijuana-
cultivating program for use in medical research as some sort of party 
permit is just plain uneducated ("Zoo Mass isn't going to pot," Dec.
15).  Marijuana has proven an effective tool in aiding people
afflicted with cancer  and other painful chronic ailments. Many
suffering from these illnesses must  live with severe and often
crippling pain while receiving treatment, and for  them, marijuana can
be a welcome reprieve from an excruciating daily reality,  reducing
physical as well as psychological pain.

I applaud UMass and its quest for an independent study on  marijuana's
medical benefits. Government-sanctioned farms cultivating the plant 
offer weak strains with a ridiculously low THC. Any of their research 
discounting medical benefits is based on junk stash.

 L.M.  Sevigny
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin