cannabisnews.com: Hawaii Congresswoman Supports MMJ Research





Hawaii Congresswoman Supports MMJ Research
Posted by FoM on July 02, 1999 at 22:44:16 PT
Source: SF Gate
HONOLULUCongresswoman Patsy Mink wants to see the government continue its research into the possible medical benefits of marijuana. 
Mink, D-Hawaii, wrote in a June 21 article published in the congressional newspaper Roll Call that further study is needed before a definitive answer can be given as to whether there are real medical benefits to using marijuana. ``The question that needs to be answered is whether there is evidence that there are real benefits from the use of marijuana by people who are suffering debilitating illnesses,'' Mink wrote. At this point, the congresswoman doesn't support legalizing use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, an aide in her office said Friday. Mink's comments echo the recommendations found in a May report from the Institute of Medicine, which said research needs to continue into the subject. The report was done at the request of the White House Office on National Drug Policy. The report recommended more study to define the individual health risks associated with smoking marijuana, whether for medicinal or recreational purposes. It also said smoking any plant material can be harmful to a person's lungs, but Mink said such considerations were less important to people with terminal illnesses, since their life expectancy is shorter. Advocates for medical marijuana say it helps alleviate pain for patients undergoing cancer treatment, and is helpful to people with HIV and AIDS, glaucoma and for improving appetite. Jonathan Adler, a Big Island marijuana advocate, said Mink's article is important in that it helps legitimize the calls by others for the government to permit people who are ill to use marijuana. Adler admits to routinely distributing marijuana to people with medical conditions that warrant its use, and said law enforcement officials know of his activities and do nothing to stop him. ``I've been supplying to patients every day for three years,'' Adler said. ``Either I'm obeying the law and nobody is recognizing it, or I'm breaking the law and nobody is recognizing it.Pubdate: Friday, July 2, 1999 Author: BEN DiPIETRO, Associated Press Writer SF Gate
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on July 04, 1999 at 15:18:12 PT:
Marijuana Research Must Be Continued! 6-21-99
Should the government study the effects of MJ? Source:Roll Call On Line I believe it is important that the federal government continue its research and study of the effects of marijuana. The Institute of Medicine published a report on Marijuana and Medicine at the request of the White House Office of National Drug Policy which concluded that research should proceed in several areas regarding marijuana use for medicinal purposes, currently the topic of considerable debate.Click the link below to read the complete article:
 Marijuana Research Must Be Continued! 6-21-99
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