DOCTOR SPEAKS TO STUDENTS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In the background of a state-wide debate over legalization, about 50
students gathered Wednesday evening to hear about the effects and
possibilities of medical marijuana.

Wichita doctor Jon Hauxwell spoke to students at Stauffer-Flint Hall
about the benefits and drawbacks of medical pot.

"Any substance that is capable of altering human physiology in a good
way is usually capable of altering it in a bad way," Hauxwell said.

Hauxwell, who kept his comments exclusively about medical marijuana
use, spoke about two common ways of consuming marijuana -- by
inhalation or eating. Inhaling marijuana, which is usally done by
smoking it, helps individuals quickly determine their optimal dosage
for relieving pain, he said.

However, Hauxwell said taking pot through eating could be better for
individuals who require larger doses. The effect of the pot also lasts
longer when eaten.

Hauxwell said that he was frustrated by restrictions sometimes placed
on medical marijuana.

"Canabis ought to be an option and it shouldn't be an option of last
resort," Hauxwell said.

Hauxwell said that pot could be addictive, but withdrawl symptoms,
which include irritability and difficulty sleeping and concentrating,
are relatively mild compared with the withdrawl effects of other drugs.

Last week, a bill was introduced into the Kansas House of
Representatives that would legalize medical marijuana. Hauxwell, who
supports legalization, has submitted written testimony for the bill.

The KU chapter for National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana
Laws (NORML) sponsored Hauxwell's talk and has been tabling in front
of Wescoe Hall this week.

NORML provided computers for students to send e-mails to their
representatives urging them to support the legalization of medical
marijuana.

Jacob Fox, KU NORML president, said the reception they received from
students had been positive and that the group would be participating
in a demonstration in Topeka at a later date.

- - Edited by Brittany Nelson