Pubdate: Sun, 22 Feb 2015 Source: Journal Standard, The (Freeport, IL) Copyright: 2015 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.journalstandard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3182 Author: Kirk Muse MARIJUANA NEVER KILLED ANYONE I am writing about the not-so-thoughtful Feb. 8 letter from Robert F. Becker: "Marijuana is not the answer to our problems." Marijuana is certainly the answer for my chronic pain, which is caused by my spinal stenosis and spinal scoliosis. Two of the medications prescribed by my doctor, Meloxicam and Linsospril, and used as prescribed almost killed me by destroying my kidneys. My bloodwork number, which is supposed to be greater than 61, was down to 17. If that number had gotten down to 15, I probably would have died from kidney failure. All medications have side effects. Marijuana is not really a drug but rather a plant and natural herb - a natural herb that has never killed anyone in the 6,000-year history of its use. Kirk Muse, former Freeport resident - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom