NEW GOVERNMENT STUDY VINDICATES PEOPLE'S VOTE ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

SEATTLE, -- "This report all but ends the debate
on Medical Marijuana," states the sponsor of Washington's Initiative
692 in reaction to the release of the long-awaited study on Medical
Marijuana by the Institutes of Medicine. "The Federal Government can
no longer make the claim that marijuana has no medical value."

"This report vindicates what we have known for years -- that marijuana
has medical value for certain patients. The only issue that remains
is for our political leaders to find a way to provide this safe and
effective medicine to our patients who need it, " states Dr. Rob Killian.

The report, which was commissioned by Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey,
refutes much of what he and other opponents of medical marijuana have
been saying for years. It clearly states that it is a useful
medicine, specifically for reduction of nausea and pain, and increase
of appetite -- all important uses for cancer patients and people with
AIDS. Moreover, the authors state, "basic biology indicates a role
for cannabinoids in pain and control of movement," and "some of the
'side-effects' [of marijuana], such as anxiety reduction and sedation,
might be desirable for certain patients."

Further, the study states that marijuana could be allowed for medical
use, without increasing non-medical use. The report tackles the
suggestion by opponents of medical use that approving marijuana as a
medicine "sends the wrong message." The authors say there is "no
convincing data to support this concern," and they note that "this
question is beyond the issues normally considered for medical uses of
drugs."

"This report shows that until now, the federal government's position
has been too extreme -- officials claimed there was 'no' medical use
for marijuana; they've called it a 'joke' and a 'hoax' -- that kind of
denial is going to be impossible now," says Killian. "I am proud that
Washington voters were able to see through the rhetoric and illogic of
our government's treatment of seriously ill patients."

Federal law still says there is "no" medical use for marijuana, which
is the only reason it remains classed with heroin and LSD, instead of
prescribable drugs like morphine and valium. "We are calling for the
immediate reclassification of medical marijuana which will allow
patients access to safe and legal forms of marijuana. It is time for
politics to get out of the way of medicine and good science," says
Killian.

For more information on the scientific background of medical
marijuana, visit the newly released website "The Science of Medical
Marijuana" at http://www.medmjscience.org.

SOURCE Washington Citizens for Medical Rights Web Site:

http://www.medmjscience.org