In a new Reason.tv video examining medical marijuana and the war on drugs, The Price Is Right and Power of 10 host Drew Carey wants the federal government to reclassify marijuana and that “people who need it should be able to get it safely and easily.”
In 1999 the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences, concluded that marijuana has “therapeutic value” that relieves pain, controls vomiting and nausea, and stimulates the appetite.
This year, in a study funded by the state of California, doctors at the University of California at San Francisco and San Francisco General Hospital proved marijuana provides significant relief to HIV-infected patients suffering from neuropathic pain.
“The DEA is ignoring a large and growing body of evidence and needs to reschedule marijuana. Cancer patients, HIV and AIDS patients, and millions of sick Americans deserve access to the drugs that ease their pain and suffering, and Congress can and should facilitate that,” said David Nott, president of Reason Foundation.
Originally posted on November 4, 2007 @ 9:42 am
I agree, and further, wish that we would completely decriminalize cannabis.
Hello America,
My name is Brad, and I’m a pain-aholic. For the first time EVER, I’m going to share my story. I was inspired by those in the video brave enough to step forward.
I have been living with pain for 25 years. I have had fourteen surgeries and countless procedures. I have taken a wide range of medications from narcotics to steroids to muscle relaxants, you name it and they’ve pumped it into my veins at some point along my journey. The side effects and costs of these medications can be extreme. I hope I’ve established some credibility with you regarding medications and suffering. I know them well.
I am an outstanding citizen. I pay my taxes. I drive responsibly. I am kind and courteous. I live in a big house and drive a nice car. I have been successful. I am clean and tidy. I am well organized and financially responsible. I give to charities. I open doors for old ladies. I say please and thank you. I hope I have established that I am not a stereotype.
I taught elementary school for 15 years. I was well liked and greatly respected by students, parents, teachers and administrators. I was good at my job, and I loved it. Now I am on disability retirement because I can no longer consistently perform due to levels of pain that fluctuate between very sore and excruciating. I have spent countless hours screaming for Jesus to help me. I have made many trips to the emergency room at 2 a.m. with my wife driving and my children in tow because after hours of agonizing pain, I finally succumb. This is with a supply of narcotic pain medication at home.
So, my fellow Californians have decided that it is okay for me to smoke marijuana if it can alleviate my suffering. Thank you friends, neighbors, and countrymen. As a matter of fact I have smoked some and it does ease my pain and suffering. I have just smoked some and feel much better. I can sit here and actually complete a thought. I can type. My muscle spasms have relaxed. My intestines are calm. This medicinal marijuana is working for me. I prefer it to the narcotics that make me restless and irritable. So, what’s all fuss?
Does the ex-coke snorting alcoholic in charge of this country have a beef? Obviously he’s never suffered the way I have and neither have his loved ones. Most people live a fairly healthy life, as do their families. But those of us who suffer, and those who love us, understand the importance of medicinal marijuana use. We feel it’s positive effects and our loved ones see the improvement in the quality of our lives. That’s why California voters approved this measure. They understood.
So I say to you Mr. Bush,†What’s the fuss?” I say to you DEA, back off. We Californians have chosen our path and shall not have our rights so abused by those in power who disregard the will of the people for their own motives.
One other thing my fellow Americans. When I go to the doctor’s office, I see pharmaceutical reps hawking their goods everywhere. Free samples and goodies are given out by these attractive, twenty-something pharmaceutical reps. Let me also mention that my medications cost hundreds of dollars per medication. Three hundred dollars for a thirty-day supply of one medication. That’s ten bucks a pill. I wonder if there is a connection there. I think the conspiracy theorists need to investigate the link between the oppression of medicinal marijuana and the proliferation of drug PUSHING pharmaceutical companies. Enough said. Thanks for your time and your compassion.
Sincerely, Mr. Brad