Pubdate: Thu, 15 Apr 2010
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2010 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://www2.tbo.com/static/tools/contact-us/
Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Author: Charles Palmer

IT'S HIGH TIME

The big problem with relaxing marijuana laws is not that it will make
people fat. The big problem is a pervasive mindset against doing so.

Somehow, we have gotten the mindset that opiates are OK, but cannabis
and its derivatives are evil. This in the face of growing research
data that shows cannabis and its derivatives are the solution to many
forms of chronic pain.

There is no rational reason why if we can allow opiates by
prescription, we cannot also allow cannabis derivatives by
prescription.

Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is evaluating a
cannabis derivative that was developed in Great Britain and is legal
in Canada. There is abundant data that shows it is safe and effective.
To truly understand why making it available legally to those it helps
is so important, a person would need to suffer from severe chronic
pain.

Charles Palmer

Lutz
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake