HOPEFUL SIGNS IN CAMPAIGN FOR MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

I wish I had known Lt. Col. Putman so that I could have joined in his
humane efforts to legalize medicinal marijuana.

My son, who died in 1993 from AIDS, was next in line to receive marijuana
legally in our government's "compassionate use" program when the Senate
stopped the program, forcing him to obtain this medicine illegally, and
putting us both at risk for severe legal consequences including
imprisonment because I helped him to obtain it.

Fortunately, this did not happen, and I was more than willing to take this
risk because I saw first hand how marijuana relieved my son's nausea,
vomiting, and anorexia, allowing him to be more comfortable. Because of
marijuana, he was able to sing with the Washington Chorale in the Kennedy
Center when he was very ill.

I continue to hold angry feelings towards the "do gooders" in our political
and legal systems who continue to block the legalization of this medicine
- -- a medicine that has never killed anyone, and which can bring relief to
those suffering not only from AIDS, but multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, side
effects of cancer therapy, spasticity, chronic pain, etc.

I read almost daily about the arrests of those found "in possession," and
wonder how many are only trying to relieve their suffering.

There are, however, some hopeful signs. On April 7 and 8, the University of
Iowa will be hosting a teleconference on science based clinical
applications of cannabis at the First National Clinical Conference on
Cannabis Therapeutics.

Delegate Donald Murphy, R-Baltimore County, is proposing legislation to
make medical marijuana legal in Maryland. He is proposing that Maryland
join the nine other states and the District of Columbia which have already
legalized medicinal marijuana.

For those who are interested in supporting this effort, please write to
Delegate Murphy. And if you would like more information about medicinal
marijuana, or to arrange to be a part of the teleconference, you can write
to "Patients Out of Time," 1472 Fish Pond Road, Howardsville, VA 24562.