STATE SENATE URGED TO OK MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Untreated, my chronic back pain prevents me from doing the most
ordinary -- and important -- things in my life. I can't stand on the
field to coach my daughter's soccer team. I can't mow my lawn.

The risk of addiction and other dangerous side effects is too great
for me to take prescription painkillers on a regular basis.

My doctor told me that medical marijuana could benefit me. It has far
fewer risks than powerful narcotics. However, in New York medical
marijuana has a potential side effect that I can't risk: the threat of arrest.

Our state senators can change that when they convene this fall. A
bill to make medical marijuana legal for suffering patients like me
has already passed in the Assembly, and Gov. Spitzer has indicated his support.

If compassion, common sense and popular opinion are any indication,
the Senate's choice should be simple. Organizations representing the
state's doctors, nurses and medical schools all support the bill.
Recent polls in several New York districts show support ranges
between 61 and 76 percent, including 55 percent of Conservative Party voters.

Our senators have an important opportunity to carry out the
overwhelming will of their constituents and pass this medical
marijuana bill. Suffering New Yorkers like me are counting on them.

Andrew White

Wynantskill