DONOGHUE DOESN'T SUPPORT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

To the editor:

The Eagle-Tribune has endorsed Eileen Donoghue in the Democratic
primary for the 5th Congressional District writing, "In selecting a
person to represent the 5th District in Washington, voters need to
consider which candidate is best suited to represent the interests of
all Merrimack Valley residents."

I feel quite differently after hearing Donoghue's response to whether
medical marijuana should be allowed for sick patients. And clearly on
this issue, the majority of voters in Massachusetts feel exactly the
same way that I do in having voted again and again for medical
marijuana and marijuana decriminalization.

Democrat Eileen Donoghue says she does not support the use of medical
marijuana, saying she believes there are alternatives that can be
used in a safe and effective manner.

I would like to suggest a follow up question to Eileen Donoghue:
Which drugs would you suggest for my friend, a mother residing in
Massachusetts who has suffered from several strokes, seizures and
deals with constant pain and migraines? The doctors had her on
OxyContin, which she quit for medical marijuana. She says medical
marijuana is a godsend. Which would you suggest for her? Medical
marijuana or OxyContin? Or some other?

What other alternatives are there for these people? Toxic
prescription drugs or nontoxic medical marijuana?

MICHAEL COLLINS

Danvers