cannabisnews.com: Washington Citizens for Medical Rights!





Washington Citizens for Medical Rights!
Posted by FoM on March 18, 1999 at 06:56:06 PT
New Government Study Vindicates People's Vote!
SEATTLE, ``This report all but ends the debate on Medical Marijuana,'' states the sponsor of Washington's Initiative 692 in reaction to the release of the long-awaited study on Medical Marijuana by the Institutes of Medicine. ``The Federal Government can no longer make the claim that marijuana has no medical value.''
``This report vindicates what we have known for years -- that marijuana has medical value for certain patients. The only issue that remains is for our political leaders to find a way to provide this safe and effective medicine to our patients who need it, '' states Dr. Rob Killian.The report, which was commissioned by Drug Czar Barry McCaffrey, refutes much of what he and other opponents of medical marijuana have been saying for years. It clearly states that it is a useful medicine, specifically for reduction of nausea and pain, and increase of appetite -- all important uses for cancer patients and people with AIDS. Moreover, the authors state, ``basic biology indicates a role for cannabinoids in pain and control of movement,'' and ``some of the 'side-effects' [of marijuana], such as anxiety reduction and sedation, might be desirable for certain patients.``Further, the study states that marijuana could be allowed for medical use, without increasing non-medical use. The report tackles the suggestion by opponents of medical use that approving marijuana as a medicine ``sends the wrong message.'' The authors say there is ``no convincing data to support this concern,'' and they note that ``this question is beyond the issues normally considered for medical uses of drugs.''``This report shows that until now, the federal government's position has been too extreme -- officials claimed there was 'no' medical use for marijuana; they've called it a 'joke' and a 'hoax' -- that kind of denial is going to be impossible now,'' says Killian. ``I am proud that Washington voters were able to see through the rhetoric and illogic of our government's treatment of seriously ill patients.''Federal law still says there is ``no'' medical use for marijuana, which is the only reason it remains classed with heroin and LSD, instead of prescribable drugs like morphine and valium. ``We are calling for the immediate reclassification of medical marijuana which will allow patients access to safe and legal forms of marijuana. It is time for politics to get out of the way of medicine and good science,'' says Killian.For more information on the scientific background of medical marijuana, visit the newly released website ``The Science of Medical Marijuana'' at http://www.medmjscience.org/SOURCE: Washington Citizens for Medical Rights
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