Letter to the Editor: Legalizing Medical Marijuana

Patty Reeves, a Hudson resident, learned recently that state lawmakers were proposing bills to legalize medical marijuana in Florida. Here are her thoughts on the issue of legalization

I made the decision a few years ago that if the campaign on this every hit Florida, I would have a voice on it.

Before rendering a decision on the topic, I want to share that I was in total opposition of this position..'GATEWAY DRUG" etc.,.. that was until my life was grossly altered. I was struck with an illness that disabled me. I was on 11 prescription drugs to deal with the chronic pain I live with. Losing my job and insurance, I attempted to keep up with the cost. It was $500 plus in co-payments but became a financial impossibility when I had no income and no insurance. I searched online, in the UK, in other states to find what others who also suffered daily were doing to control their symptoms. I educated myself and learned that many had gotten a RX by their physicians and eliminated no less than four drugs in turn for medical marijuana which is legal in their state. For those undergoing chemotherapy, it's a means of relief and unlike the morphine I was taking, in the words of my own doctor, marijuana is NON-ADDICTIVE.

States that have legalized marijuana have legislation in place for growth facilities, distribution, clinics and patient use. In many instances,  they are much stricter than very addictive RX drugs issued at the local drug store.

Do not think Head Shops will sprout on each corner with hazed patients sleeping on the concrete. This medical treatment has been in society dating back to B.C. and is much healthier on the body, most especially the LIVER, than present treatments the FDA has approved. It's a choice, an option for some that is an affordable means to a better quality of life. I support this measure and encourage you to do so as well.

http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/november/351028/Medical-marijuana-could-soon-be-on-the-ballot-for-Florida-voters?cid=rss&cmpid=facebook