APA AWARDS UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - In an attempt to push forward the acceptance
of the effectiveness of medical marijuana, the American Psychiatric
Association has declared their unanimous vote in support of the legal
protection of patients with doctors' recommendations to use the herb
for medical reasons.

Proclaimed in an action paper awaiting approval from the APA Board of
Trustees this December, the argument noted that 12 states have
already adopted the laws allowing regulated use of medical marijuana.

It pointed out, "The threat of arrest by federal agents, however,
still exists. Seriously ill patients living in these states with
medical marijuana recommendations from their doctors should not be
subjected to the treat of punitive federal prosecution for merely
attempting to alleviate the chronic pain, side effects, or symptoms
associated with their conditions or resulting from their overall
treatment regimens...[We] support protection for patients and
physicians participating in state approved medical marijuana programs."

Being the second action paper put out calling for further
facilitations in the research "into the medical utility of
marijuana," the vote was described to be "a landmark, a proud day for
our profession," as declared by Abraham L. Halpern, M.D., professor
emeritus of psychiatry at the New York Medical College, and former
president of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law.

"As physicians, we cannot abide our patients being subject to arrest
and jail for using a physician-recommended treatment that clearly
relieves suffering for many who are not helped by conventional
treatments," Dr. Halpern added, as quoted by the Salem News.

The consequences that have been facing those using medical marijuana
has been a growing issue in the state.

A most recent incident related to the controversy involved a Gary
Ross, who filed a court case complaining that his company terminated
him for using the herb, despite the fact that it was doctor-approved,
as reported by the AP.