HELP SUFFERERS

Governor Martz's recent remarks in opposition to I-148 were
disappointing. Allowing suffering patients to use marijuana legally
isn't about legalizing the drug for everyone. And to throw in the fact
that nearly half of our high schools students smoke marijuana! The
issue there, Judy, is why do they smoke pot? Or, why do they abuse
other substances, for that matter -- such as alcohol? Alcohol and
drugs -- prescriptive or non -- are not in and of themselves bad. It
is what people do with them. Kids who get hooked on alcohol and drugs
have problems, and that is where we need to focus! Let's not confuse
folks over what I-148 is really about.

Okay--so it shakes "the foundation of our medical system" to suggest a
natural substance can help ease suffering. Why do you suppose so many
people use herbs, acupuncture and other "non-traditional" modalities?

Our great advanced medical sciences have not come up with every
solution. As for synthetic marijuana, I have a sister-in-law who tried
it while battling colon cancer, but it didn't help. Initiative 148
recognizes that medical "science" doesn't have all the answers, but
those who obtain relief from marijuana should not be made criminals.

Bill Crivello