MMAs SEEKING SUPPORT

Republican state Sen. Frank Sapareto heads a list of six legislators
who have signed onto a letter to thousands of Granite Staters seeking
support for the legalization of medical marijuana.

Others on the Medical Marijuana Advocates' letter include Democratic
state Reps. Jane Clemons of Nashua, Edgar Mears of Berlin, McKim
Mitchell of Chesterfield and Jim Splaine of Portsmouth, as well as
Republican Rep. Steve Vaillancourt of Manchester.

The letter solicits contributions and outlines questions recipients
should ask the candidates.

Sapareto said he has no problem being involved in a campaign to
heighten awareness of the issue, even if it is directed at
Presidential candidates of the other party.

A long-time advocate of medical marijuana, Sapareto said he saw its
benefits when he worked 20 years ago in "experimental therapeutics" at
the Michigan Cancer Foundation.

"I've seen first hand that it alleviates the pain and suffering of
patients who are looking for a last resort," Sapareto said.