MEDICAL GROUPS BACK LEGAL MARIJUANA

Jim Miller's letter on medical marijuana and his late wife, Cheryl,
highlights the need for New Jersey elected officials to support bills
S-119 and A-804. ("Medical marijuana needs new focus," April 25.)

Each year, thousands of New Jerseyans are diagnosed with
life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple
sclerosis. The symptoms and suffering caused by these illnesses can
be devastating, especially when currently available medicines do not
offer relief for some patients. For these patients, medical marijuana
may offer hope for relief from terrible symptoms such as pain,
nausea, loss of appetite and wasting, as found in the
congressionally-chartered 1999 Institute of Medicine study.

Allowing patients access to medical marijuana has been endorsed by
numerous medical and professional organizations, including the
American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Public Health
Association, the American Nurses Association and the American Bar
Association. A 2006 poll also found 86 percent of New Jerseyans
support allowing access to medical marijuana.

Compassion and common sense dictate that doctors be allowed to
recommend, and patients be able to access, medicine best able to
relieve suffering and improve their lives.

Meagan Johnson

JACKSON

POLICY ASSOCIATE

DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE

NEW JERSEY