MEDICINAL POT IS NO JOKE

A recent Deseret News editorial ("Don't promote pot distribution,"
April 1, 2001) stated that there is a lack of credible science in
support of the use of medicinal marijuana. To quote the editorial,
"It may be true that marijuana plants contain chemicals with
medicinal value, but credible science has yet to make that
determination or to decide on the best method of delivery."

Unfortunately, this contention is incorrect.

Credible science has made the determination that marijuana can
effectively relieve some of the deleterious side effects of
chemotherapy and AIDS therapy for some patients. To quote from a
review of medical literature conducted by the National Academy of
Sciences, Institute of Medicine, "For patients such as those with
AIDS or who are undergoing chemotherapy, and who suffer
simultaneously from severe pain, nausea and appetite loss,
cannabinoid drugs might offer broad-spectrum relief not found in any
other single medication." In addition, according to this report,
science has yet to find a method of delivery that is superior to
smoking.

While credible science has made clear the benefits of medicinal
marijuana, it is also true that there are many who would take
advantage of the curative effects of marijuana to promote their own
recreational use. This is unfortunate. Just because some would misuse
marijuana, however, doesn't mean that it shouldn't be made available
as a medical option.

The Deseret News also supported former drug czar Barry McCaffrey's
contention that medical marijuana was "Cheech and Chong medicine."
For the thousands of Americans who suffer and die from the side
effects of cancer and AIDS treatments each year, the possible
benefits of medicinal marijuana is no joke.

Philip Rodgers
Hyrum