LEGALIZED POT FOR MEDICAL USE COULD HELP MANY

Editor:

At a time when researchers are scouring the rainforest in search of
new medicines, there's growing consensus that marijuana, easily
cultivated here, can help patients maintain a better quality of life
with less dangerous side effects than expensive, processed
pharmaceuticals.

There's solid and growing data on the medicinal benefits of marijuana
for treating neuropathy, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, ALS, HIV,
for cancer patients whose chemotherapy causes nausea and appetite loss
and many other ailments.

While other treatments may be available, there are situations in which
marijuana works better. Doctors in Arab, Marshall County and across
the state should be able to legally make this call.

The lives of many patients have been destroyed by drugs such as
Percocet, Vicodin, Oxycontin and Lortab, all of which are highly
addictive, riddled with side effects and approved by the F.D.A.

There are many health organizations pledging support for this natural
medicine, marijuana. The American Academy of Family Physicians, The
American Nurses Association and The American Public Health Foundation
have all declared support of marijuana's use as a medicine.

Fourteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized medicinal
marijuana.

I challenge the people of Alabama to research and familiarize
themselves with marijuana's benefits and with the Michael Phillips
Compassionate Care Act, which will be introduced to the House and
Senate during the upcoming legislative session. This is an important
piece of legislation because it would allow the residents of Arab and
Marshall County to take a safe herbal medicine to treat their chronic
ailments.

This is your chance to show compassion and to help the many that are
suffering from debilitating disease and pain.

Kevin Jones

Boaz, Ala.