WITNESSES TO POT'S MEDICINAL VALUE

In my own medical marijuana consultant practice, I see many older folks who
benefit from marijuana's varied physiological effects -- pain reliever,
sleep promoter and appetite stimulant, as well as anti-anxiety, anti-nausea
and anti-spasmodic relief, just to start at the top of the list.

The article quotes Walters as saying "the standard of simply feeling
different or feeling better" is not proof of being safe and effective. The
article then says, "Walters argues that there is not a whiff of clinical
proof qualifying smoked pot as medicine." This is simply not factual. True,
there are no double-blind studies because such studies have been blocked by
federal law. However, there are countless published case reports proving
the medical value of cannabis.

The federal government is willfully avoiding the truth that cannabis is
safe and effective. Cannabis does not cause death or organ damage. It is
one of the safest drugs in that way, safer than aspirin, which kills
thousands every year.

It is time for the people to demand that their government get in line with
the truth, and allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

William S. Eidelman MD

Los Angeles