cannabisnews.com: Rally To Spotlight Medical Use Of Pot Rally To Spotlight Medical Use Of Pot Posted by FoM on October 11, 1999 at 11:45:50 PT By Nancy J. Smeltzer Source: Columbus Dispatch On most days, John Precup breaks the law.The Mansfield resident smokes marijuana, he said, to dull the nausea caused by multiple sclerosis. His doctor recommends the practice, but can't write a prescription for an illegal drug."I either do that or waste away,'' said Precup, 35. Precup is not alone in self-medicating with marijuana. And he said the public needs to be educated and informed about its importance.He and others will rally at 5 p.m. today at the Federal Building, 200 N. High St., to bring attention to the issue.The group, For a Better Ohio, also will voice opposition to Sen. George Voinovich's legislation to overturn a referendum that would legalize medicinal marijuana in the District of Columbia."We were shocked to see our own senator'' go against the legislation, said Kenny Schweickart, the group's state coordinator. "It's a bad idea to go against the will of the voters.''For a Better Ohio also favors legislation that would permit smoking marijuana for medical reasons, as well as the production of industrial hemp for food, fiber and fuel.It is gathering signatures to put the issue on a statewide ballot.Precup also is part of a federal lawsuit that claims he and others should be allowed to use marijuana because eight others across the country have for several years through a compassionate-use program.Precup and a woman in the program have the same medical condition, he said."The law says she's not a criminal and I am.''A study released in March by the Institute of Medicine, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences, showed that marijuana could be helpful in the treatment of a number of ailments, including pain, nausea and AIDS-related weight loss.The study looked only at marijuana use over a short time and under medical supervision."I think anything that can help a person who is dying is a worthwhile battle,'' said Adam Daly, a member of For a Better Ohio.Daly, a 21-year-old junior at Ohio State University, said he sees the state becoming the catalyst for passage of similar legislation in neighboring states."If we get it passed in Ohio, it can have the same effect in the Midwest. It's not like I am living in a dream world. It can happen.''Since 1995, For a Better Ohio has collected 56,000 signatures for the ballot initiative. The group needs 200,000.Monday, October 11, 1999Copyright © 1999, The Columbus Dispatch Related Articles & Web Sites:North Coast NORML:http://www.timesoft.com/ncnorml/Sen. George V. Voinovichhttp://www.senate.gov/~voinovich/Voinovich Tries To Block D.C. Marijuana Law - 10/05/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3152.shtmlOhio Senator Opposes Marijuana Plan - 10/04/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3141.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by Freedom Fighter on October 11, 1999 at 14:04:11 PT information.... Yes, we need to know about these events. There is more support than you imagine. Anyway, keep up the good work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 11, 1999 at 13:30:37 PT Really Short Notice I know there wasn't any notice. It surprised me to find this the day of the rally. I remember, For a Better Ohio, had a web site a couple of years ago but I don't know if they have one now and where to locate it if they have one. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by WOLFNME on October 11, 1999 at 13:23:51 PT OH!!!!!!, TO HELP THE CAUSE WOULD OF LOVED TO LEND MY SUPPORT BUT THERES JUST NOT ENOUGH PRIOR INFORMATION TO GET YOU THERE ONE TIME...THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM.... [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: