Pubdate: Tue, 21 Oct 2014
Source: Star-Banner, The (Ocala, FL)
Copyright: 2014 The Star-Banner
Contact:  http://www.starbanner.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1533
Author: S.D.E Fallon

MOTHER NATURE'S MEDICINE

In response to Dr. Mike's Jordan's guest column opposing legalizing
medical grade marijuana:

How naive, as a medical practitioner, to downplay serious medical
ailments such as "back pain, headaches, and anxiety."

Are you not obligated to patients to find the best, most authentic
cure for any of their conditions?

Yes, cancer and seizures are devastatingly painful for millions of
Americans.

These diseases must be treated with optimal attention and
care.

We must keep fighting for cures, and in the meantime, afflicted
individuals should receive appropriate pain treatment.

The existence of severe diseases in NO WAY negates the severity of
other medical conditions.

It is essential that doctors and others in the medical field
understand the impact of anxiety, sciatica, cluster headaches and
general depression throughout society.

The FDA's involvement in the research of marijuana's effectiveness is
pointless. Let's consider the millions of Americans who truly benefit
from the herb's medicinal properties.

Can we stop berating Mother Nature and realize how efficient she
is.

It's time that marijuana is no longer our dirty, little
secret.

Finally, please stop arguing that Amendment 2 is going to force us to
cohabitate with addicts who can now openly use their drug.

You believe that pot use in teens will rise, but most teens who are
interested in marijuana have already tried it. They have likely tried
alcohol, too, but you express no concern about the availability of
alcohol or the acceptance of alcohol in society.

I get it, the bureaucratic monster has taught us the generalization
that marijuana inhibits intelligence and productivity.

Not all who wander are lost. Sadly, I suffer greatly from depression
and anxiety. I'm pleased to say that as someone who holds bachelor's
and master's degrees and has a thriving career, marijuana has healed
me so that I can be a productive member of society.

S.D. E. Fallon

Ocala 
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MAP posted-by: Richard