MARIJUANA WORKS WHEN OTHER MEDICATIONS FAIL

State Sen. Thomas George's statement that Michigan's medical
marijuana ballot proposal is unnecessary, "because we already have
medical marijuana in pill form" is incorrect ("Michigan to vote on
legalizing marijuana for medical use," April 29).

Marinol, the pill he's referring to, is a synthetic form of THC, one
of more than 60 active compounds in marijuana. Like other
medications, Marinol doesn't work for everyone. That's why there are
many different drugs on the market to treat the same ailment.

Before my wife, Beverly, passed away from ovarian cancer, we tried
several medications to relieve the intense nausea brought on by
chemotherapy. None of them worked for her. Beverly was particularly
sensitive to drugs, including Marinol, which made her hallucinate,
even at the lowest dose available. With just two puffs of marijuana,
her nausea disappeared. She didn't hallucinate.

Many patients cannot swallow a pill when they are constantly
vomiting. If they hold it down, it can take several hours to take
effect. Marinol is also expensive.

There is promising research into the therapeutic values of other
active components in marijuana. The American College of Physicians
strongly supports giving seriously ill patients access to medical
marijuana without fear of arrest or jail.

We have an opportunity in Michigan to make sure seriously ill
patients can get relief.

Dr. George Wagoner

Manistee