Pubdate: Tue, 31 May 2011 Source: Albany Democrat-Herald (OR) Copyright: 2011 Lee Enterprises Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/HPOp5PfB Website: http://www.democratherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/7 Author: Gary Haynes Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n332/a01.html POT MADE ILLNESS BEARABLE In response to Larry Crompton's extremely demeaning letter regarding the use of medical marijuana for their pain and suffering (May 22): I was brought into this world by a violent, abusive, alcoholic prize fighter and learned early on the meaning of pain and suffering. Eventually my mother divorced and married the most generous, God-fearing man ever put on this earth, who provided her with far too few years of comfort, care and love. Then came esophageal cancer. It became almost impossible to eat, sleep or even come close to a normal life. Fifty pounds lost, no strength and no reason to live. Then, 40 years ago, his doctor provided and continued providing marijuana. After years of unbearable suffering, within three months my stepfather had a voice box fitted, was able to eat, sleep and speak, take a cruise with my mother and, best of all, smile widely as he pulled out into the street with is pride and joy, a 1964 Chevy Camaro, and take a drive to his doctor. Gary Haynes Albany (May 24) - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.