ARGUMENTS DRAW LINE: CRIMINALS VS. PATIENTS

I am a health care professional who works in a pain practice. Most
days I see patients who report the positive effects of marijuana in
treating their pain and, as important, improving their function and
quality of life.

There are several strong reasons that the Oregon Legislature and
Kevin Mannix should leave Oregon's medical marijuana users in peace.
First and most important, people who have cards are referred to as
patients, not criminals. A drug-free workplace implies freedom from
illegal drugs, not therapeutic medicines.

Marijuana eases symptoms. Would co-workers prefer their colleagues to
be on opiates to ease their pain?

Many pharmaceuticals have a side-effect of sedation. These include
antidepressants, antihistamines and drugs for allergies, just to name
a few. People using any of these treatments need to be responsible
and not operate heavy equipment or endanger themselves and others.

Patients should not be victims of the failed drug war. Leave them alone.

Teresa Keane

Nurse practitioner

Southwest Portland