MEDICAL MARIJUANA RESTORES NORMAL LIFE TO CITY MAN

In the year since the medical marijuana program began, about 250
patients have participated.

I don't presume to speak for all, but for myself, the results have
been nothing short of astonishing.

I suffer from a variety of conditions that cause chronic, severe
pain. After some seven years of treatment, my body simply can't
tolerate the doses of pain medication necessary to have an effect,
making it impossible to function at any acceptable level.

This program has helped restore my functionality, ending a long-term
addiction to prescription painkillers, and has allowed me to
participate in life after far too long a hiatus.

I would like to personally thank our legislature for their foresight
and perseverance in initiating this program and encourage their
continued support to see it through to permanence.

I for one don't want to be in the position of having to choose
between functionality or freedom, nor do I wish to subject my family
to arrest and prosecution for my choice of medical treatment. I
simply want to participate in life while I'm still able.

The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act has
been of tremendous benefit to a relatively small group of seriously
ill patients and in my view it would be a genuine tragedy to see it expire.

Robert Love

Woonsocket