Pubdate: Sun, 06 Nov 2011 Source: Gadsden Times, The (AL) Copyright: 2011 The Gadsden Times Contact: http://www.gadsdentimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1203 Author: John P. Myer LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA In the upcoming session of the Alabama Legislature, Rep. K.L. Brown will introduce the Alabama Medical Marijuana Patients' Rights Act, which, if passed, would make the medicinal use of marijuana legal in Alabama. This is a valuable piece of legislation that would ease the pain and suffering of thousands of Alabama patients, but it will only be successful if people like you take the time to care. Modern research suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief - particularly of neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage) - nausea, spasticity, glaucoma and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant, specifically for patients suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome or dementia. Emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors and are neuroprotective. Currently, more than 60 U.S. and international health organizations support granting patients immediate legal access to medicinal marijuana under a physician's supervision. In summation, I believe everyone should take a step back and ask themselves, why keep people from possibly the only medical option they have. John P. Myer Gadsden - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom