MOST DOCTORS WON'T HELP ON THIS

When we look at the Oregon medical marijuana program from the patient's
point of view, what do we see?

People who are suffering from chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea caused by
chemotherapy, glaucoma and several other disorders included in the Oregon
Medical Marijuana Act want relief. They want to see if cannabis will help them.

They discuss this with their doctor and he refuses to sign their medical
marijuana application forms. Why are doctors reluctant to help their
patients? Are they afraid to recommend cannabis? Are they unsure about the
medical benefits of cannabis?

For whatever reason, they force their patients to look for another doctor
who will help them.

Recent articles about Dr. Phillip Leveque ("State will punish doctor over
pot," Jan. 18) overlook the real problem: Most doctors won't help their
patients obtain a medical marijuana card. I think it's criminal that
Oregon's public health office will refuse to help 350 patients who were
helped by Dr. Leveque.

ARTHUR LIVERMORE, Oregon director

American Alliance for Medical Cannabis

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