Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jan 2006 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2006 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Note: Does not print LTEs from outside it's circulation area. Author: Aaron Klein Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n2024/a01.html?263381 MEDICAL POT HELPS HIS BIPOLAR DISORDER Regarding "Pot clubs a cover for illegal drug dealing" (Letters, Dec. 27): I am a medical cannabis patient in San Diego. Over 10 years ago I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After 34 doctors, 23 different combinations of psychotropic pills, dozens of manic and depressive episodes, I find medical cannabis. This little green bud prevents me from getting too high - or too low. It alleviates my anxiety. It destroys my stress; both physical and mental ailments go away. I am able to function in society with medi-pot. I can excel and really make a difference in this world when properly medicated. I am no junkie. I look young. I look healthy. Yet people with my disease aren't expected to live long or happy lives. The Drug Enforcement Administration agent serving a warrant on a medical marijuana dispensary would think I wasn't legitimate. I don't "look" sick. I don't fit the "profile." Please get the message out. The majority of patients are sick people who want to get well. These people are like the rest of us. They are us. We are them. AARON KLEIN San Diego - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman