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Basically the letter said Marijuana is bad and has no valid medical uses. I will quote some of his remarks (full letter / story).
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All medications, particularly those containing controlled substances, should be required to meet the rigorous criteria of the Food and Drug Administration approval process. That process has been carefully constructed over the last century to protect patient health and safety.
There are compelling reasons to hold “medical” marijuana to the same standard. The 16 states that passed laws approving marijuana as a medicine did so through a political process, not a scientific one. This alone sets a dangerous precedent.
Marijuana is an addictive, physically toxic drug. It is currently the No. 2 cause of admission to treatment programs, after alcohol. The legalization of medical marijuana would bring a number of unintended consequences, including additional drugged drivers on our roadways, industrial accidents and higher rates of addiction.
Advocates of medical marijuana promote its use as a treatment for the nausea associated with chemotherapy and for glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other ailments. But numerous safe and effective F.D.A.-approved medications are available for these conditions.
It was an invitation to response for the NY Times. I responded with this letter. I can't believe it took me this long to mentally "follow the money". Do'h!
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Sirs,
Mr. Evans raises a point that is often raised, to paraphase - there is no scientific evidence that Marijuana provides benefits that we cannot get from the Medical Industry. (actual quote is "Advocates of medical marijuana promote its use as a treatment for the nausea associated with chemotherapy and for glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other ailments. But numerous safe and effective F.D.A.-approved medications are available for these conditions.")
I don't provide the following as an emotional appeal - but as a fact; I watched my lover disintegrate and die from AIDS. His body was ravaged and he was unable to eat. The FDA approved medication for nausea was Marinol - touted to provide the same benefits, but without the side effects, of Marijuana. But Marinol is a pill. A pill that goes into a digestive system that is not functioning and to a nausea patient who throws up constantly. It was less than useless. Marijuana, on the other hand, delivered more quickly via the lungs and avoiding the stomach, helped. Helped greatly. The "problem" with Marijuana and the FDA approval system, is that money doesn't go to a drug industry that finances FDA - approved medication. So a valid solution is disparaged. And well meaning people like Mr. Evans carry the propaganda for the drug companies.
Do not get me wrong, I don't dislike drug companies, or the drug industry - they have saved millions of lives and made every day life better for hundreds of millions of others. I admire the fantastic work they do, and the drive most researchers have to better people's lives. However, the truth is that drug companies have no incentive to prove that Marijuana is useful. In fact, it is actively in their interest to espouse the opposite.
Marijuana can be abused, but that is a reason to regulate it and manage it's use - not to throw it away. If you have watched someone die fro the inside, or suffer from radiation therapy, you know that you will do anything to help them. Marijuana can be a valuable asset in helping them.
Respectfully