PATIENTS NEED MARIJUANA BILL

Bravo to letter writer Don Seibold for speaking out as a supporter of
HB434. We can only hope our elected officials will demonstrate the
same courage and vote "yes" when this bill comes before them.

In years past when this bill has come before the Judiciary Committee,
one of the arguments against it has been that if we protect Alabama
patients and physicians by passing this law the feds will swoop down
on Alabama. However, on Feb. 25 during a press conference, U.S.
Attorney General Eric Holder said that the Justice Department will no
longer conduct medical marijuana raids in states that have passed
medical marijuana laws. So, that is one less excuse the judiciary
committee will have this year. (2 of 2)

Here's two more tired, senseless excuses that we need to
retire:

# Excuse: They can use Marinol, which is synthetic THC, the active
ingredient in marijuana.

Truth: Most people can't use Marinol because it's expensive and not
covered by insurance.

# Excuse: Marijuana is a gateway drug.

Truth: There have been no reports from states that have passed
medical marijuana laws of terminally ill patients moving on to heroin
and home invasions because they used medical marijuana. Please, let's
be reasonable. These are very ill patients we are talking about here.

HB434 protect patients who need marijuana for medical reasons. We
cannot justify imprisoning people with chronic pain and terminal
illness for trying to get relief from a natural plant.

Loretta Nall

Alexander City