MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

Frustrated by the refusal of state legislators to even discuss the
issue of medical marijuana with him, Chuck Homan brought his campaign
for legalizing pot for medical uses to the steps of the state Capitol Monday.

Homan, 58, of Glenville, York County, said he organized the rally
after being unable to convince local lawmakers to support laws
similar to those passed in a dozen other states that allow the use of
medical marijuana.

"I contacted my local legislators," Homan said. "They said it was too
controversial to deal with. They won't even see me or talk to me."

About 20 supporters turned out for the rally, which was held during a
steady rain.

Homan also plans to deliver information packets touting the drug's
medicinal use to every state lawmaker, including Gov. Edward Rendell.

"I'm educating them. I plan to educate the whole state of
Pennsylvania," said Homan, who runs the Web site MedicalMovement.com.
"The ignorance of the marijuana has to stop."

Homan cited studies showing pot as an effective treatment for nausea
and appetite loss, glaucoma and chronic pain, and other ailments.