I appreciate hearing your views on the use of marijuana as a medicine for seriously ill patients. As a practicing physician, I know first-hand how important it is that we speed up the availability of new drugs that have been proven through scientific research to help stop the pain of many people who suffer with illnesses. I do not believe the govermnent should stand in the way of citizens receiving drugs that are scientifically proven to be safe as soon as medically possible. Legalizing cannabis is not necessary for the purpose of pain relief, THC, which is the pain relieving agent, is already available in other FDA approved drugs.
Medical test indicate that cannabis can cause memory loss as well as infertility problems.
The use of marijuana for patients who cannot swallow pills because of nausea associated with oral ingestion, is also obsolete since other drugs that posses THC can be taken through a form of vapor inhalation. This is the same benefit a user would get from marijuana. I believe that permitting the use of medical marijuana is not necessary because other safer drugs are already providing this pain relieving agent. Once again, thank you for your correspondence. If I can be of any additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.