CANNABIS IS MEDICINAL GIFT OF NATURE

The Drug Enforcement Administration would have us believe that medical
marijuana is a myth. More than 60 cannabinoids are found in marijuana. There
is no question that they have medicinal value. Why else would pharmaceutical
companies be scrambling to create synthetic versions of them? These
cannabinoids work in harmony to relieve pain and other medical problems.

Synthetic THC (Marinol) duplicates only one cannabinoid and comes in pill
form, which is useless for someone vomiting from chemotherapy. But smoking
isn't the only way to ingest marijuana. Patients can vaporize it, make
tinctures or use it in teas and food. So the harmful effects of smoking are
no excuse for our government's actions.

Studies from several nations, including our own, confirm the successful use
of cannabinoids to treat multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and other ailments.
Other nations are distributing cannabis and cannabis-based medications via
prescription to those who benefit from its use. In America we incarcerate
those who try to alleviate their suffering by using cannabis.

It's no coincidence that our brains are filled with cannabinoid receptors.
Humans were meant to use this natural medicine. We should demand that our
government end this insanity and list cannabis as a Schedule II or III
substance.

Scott Russ

Hawaii vacationer

Baton Rouge, La.