ALLOW CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL USE

As of this writing, 14 states have established compassionate use
laws. Of those 14, California is an extreme; focusing on its current
fiscal issues and perhaps finding an out to those problems by
legalizing cannabis in November this year. Tennessee is not
California and its constituents should not believe that the passage
of compassionate use laws would cause our state to resemble
California by any stretch of the imagination.

The healing properties of the Cannabis Sativa plant have been
recorded for centuries. In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I used
cannabis to alleviate her menstrual cramps. Today, approved usage
varies from state to state. In California ,people with mild
depression can get a doctor's recommendation. In New Jersey, patients
must have a debilitating medical condition or have a terminal illness
in order to receive a recommendation. The states also differ in that
Californians can grow their own whereas New Jersey patients must
receive their medicine from state government-authorized treatment centers.

There will always be abusers of any substance, but with the right
plan we can help provide patients with the medicine they desperately
need and deserve.

Chris Smith

Cleveland, Tenn.