MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE

I was in a serious car accident on Jan. 5, 1997. I have chronic pain in my
back and other complications. I have chosen to use marijuana as a natural
but illegal substance for my medical needs. I, like millions of others,
consider marijuana a much safer medicine than many that have been prescribed
to me in the past.

Last year, I was protesting Rep. Robert E. Andrews' planned vote against the
"Medical Marijuana Bill" before Congress. I demonstrated my use of marijuana
as a medicine twice, once at Andrews' office in Haddon Heights and again at
the Democratic Party headquarters in Cherry Hill. I was arrested.

Citizens such as myself who have decided to use whatever medicine works for
us, regardless of its legal status, feel vindicated by a new federal report
that supports the use of marijuana as a medicine. Vindication isn't what is
right, though. What is right is dismissal of all charges against citizens
who can prove they use marijuana for medical needs. Or make marijuana legal.

Ed Forchion, Browns Mills