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Access denied to a way to combat cancer

Published/Last Modified on Friday, Aug 15, 2008 - 05:25:34 am MST

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To the Editor:

Re: “Medical Marijuana”

In the Aug. 9 edition of New Scientist Magazine, we are told that cannabinoids are a very powerful tool in combating colon cancer. Cannabinoids are a primary ingredient in cannabis — marijuana — from which it derives its scientific name.

Mice are genetically engineered to have cancer and then tested with various chemicals. According to the New Scientist, “Tumors shrank when the genetically engineered mice were injected with a cannabinoid.”

Since Arizonans passed a medical marijuana initiative, colon cancer patients can now find relief.

At least that’s the way it was supposed to be. Unfortunately, our esteemed Legislature, in its infinite wisdom, thinks we are too stupid to be trusted with such a vote and overturned it.

Colon cancer patients will not be allowed access to cannabinoids because it violates certain other people’s morality. If they try to self-medicate, they will be prosecuted.

Jim Burke

Bisbee

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T Chong wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:58 PM:

" Cannabis has been approved by "we the people" at the polls several years ago. Than you have a handfull of people saying we didnt know what we were doing and overturned it. You have some one in extreme pain who is terminally ill. Do you give enough pain killer to them so they can function? or do you give them a little pain killer,just enough to take the edge off, because you dont want them to get addicted? "

Yeah but... wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:48 PM:

" Cannabinoids can also be produced by drugs already on the market that aren't already illegal. Additionally, the study has only been completed on mice. Human trials haven't even started according to the articles I read. "

cancer patient here wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:09 PM:

" I say what ever helps a person feel better when they have cancer they should be able to do/use it. I myself have cancer and let me tell you it is no walk in the park. Anything that makes a person feel better during this time should be allowed. "