Pubdate: Sun, 15 Nov 2015
Source: Tribune Review (Pittsburgh, PA)
Copyright: 2015 Tribune-Review Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://triblive.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/460
Author: Maura Hilbert

POT WOULD AID PATIENTS

I am writing in support of proposed state legislation providing for 
the medical use of cannibas in Pennsylvania. The state may be on the 
brink of legalizing medical marijuana in the near future. Despite 
scientific data suggesting marijuana's therapeutic properties in 
certain patient populations, federal agencies are skeptical of its 
value in healthcare and apprehensive of potential consequences of its 
legalized use.

Medical marijuana has been used for centuries and has proven to be 
effective in treating a wide range of conditions such as reducing 
nausea and vomiting in patients receiving chemotherapy, stimulating 
the appetite of patients with cancer and HIV, decreasing spasticity 
and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis and spinal cord 
injuries, and decreasing suffering from chronic pain (American Nurses 
Association, 2008).

As a registered nurse, I believe that legalizing and appropriately 
prescribing medical marijuana may open doors in promoting and 
improving the quality of life in people who desperately need it. It 
is unjust for the government to prohibit critically ill individuals 
from recieving treatment which may significantly help them.

Maura Hilbert

Bethel Park
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