YOUR COMMENTS

Please Help Support Medical Marijuana Trial & Medical Necessity Defense To Be Used.

Thank You,

Jeffrey Kennedy
- Jeff Kennedy, Boynton Beach, Florida

Marijuana is a drug that I consider less harmful than cigarettes, or alocohol. Medical Marijuana should of been legalized years ago.
And it is also my ponion that I would rather see a man come home from work at nite and light up a joint to relax than crack open a beer.
Have you ever known of anyone beating his family after he smokes a joint? How many times however does it happen to alcoholics? On a daily basis.
- Gene, Allenstown

Well i am totally disgusted with all the strict laws against DWI yet NH of all the glorious states has a state liquor store on its only major highway! there is little help for alcohol addiction so lets introduce another problem to society, I believe we have to many doctors prescribing pills all addictive to patients now that do not need them, they rely on selling these pills to support other habits and live! these doctors must be making a fortune! i can go into any hospital and complain of pain i don't have and leave with a painkiller! these are worth big bucks to drug users! NH wants to get in on making a buck! raising the tolls didn't bring enough revenue, so legalize marijuana now? speaking of tolls..... they charge tractor trailer drivers more ( per axle) yet do motorcycles get a cheaper rate as they have less axles? NH only changes laws to benefit them not the people that live here! time to move to a different state!
- SJT, NH

Mike from bedford, not cocaine but heroin, o, wait, thats been legal for doctors to prescribe heroin like drugs, in natural and synthitic form for years. I would really like to THROW YOU IN SOMEONE ELSES SHOES!! Maybe a morphine drip or oxycodone 60mg for the rest of your days will change your your way of thinking.
- Patrick, Berlin

I think this is a great bill, it will help many NH residents get the help they need. Also wanted to make a remark to Mark from bedford, if your waiting for everyone in this state to smoke pot and and fry their brains to make you smarter, keep waiting dummy, i got an 89 on my calculus II final cooked out of my gord, marajuana will not make smart poeple stupid, sorry.
- Patrick, Berlin

As a man from ohio who has had multiple sclerosis for 16 yrs. now ,I say let us american's have our medicine!!All my doctor's ,all the hospital's I go to all know I use marijuana!I was told by all my doctor's to use marijuana because the pills,shots just made me sicker!I went from not being able to walk,talk,eat,relax ,and not having a quality of life to, doing all the above with the help of marijuana!!! Lets all end the suffering that we go through and legalize our medicine that god put here for us all!!
- ROBERT LEE, NILES,OHIO

Passing House Bill 648 is not a Woodstock Reunion.
I run the Concord Multiple Sclerosis Support Group for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The group frequently discusses alternative treatments, updated research or talk about current pharmaceutical companies.Some members use various drugs. Some use none at all. Some have tried Cannabis and it relieved the spasms in their legs. The use of Cannabis was done in a clandestine fashion to avoid being arrested. House Bill 648 would make sure; seriously ill patients, have a safe and legal access to Cannabis if their doctors recommend it.
I have had Multiple Sclerosis for several years and feel I should have the freedom to use anything at my disposal to relieve my suffering. One of the drugs I use is called baclofen. It has a nasty side effect if I decided to go "cold turkey" from the use of it.
"Abrupt discontinuation of baclofen may cause seizures and hallucinations." The use of Cannabis could be used as a tool in treating Multiple Sclerosis along with a cane, a walker or a wheelchair if necessary. It would at least give a victim of MS an option in their treatment. If you could walk a mile in my shoes you would understand.
- Richard Vincent, Loudon

A well-written, serious-toned, data-backed description of the situation and explanation for the position. Well done!

This could make for a very interesting roundtable or series, if you wanted to make it one. There are a variety of possible positions: fully illegal, legal only within registered medical facilities to patients with prescriptions, legal for dispensing only by state-licensed growers to patients with prescriptions for home use, legal for production by patients with a prescription, legal for general use within state-controlled settings (similar to the way the state runs alcohol stores), all the way to complete legalization for general use. I would have to come down closer to the legalization end, not because I have any liking for mind-altering substances (including, say, alcohol), but because marijuana prohibition is having far more negative side effects (in terms of funding criminal organizations) than marijuana itself caused.
- Peter, Canterbury

It's long overdue that our severely ill or the many patients suffering from any number of debilitating diseases in NH are allowed the legal rights to administering marijuana as their choice of medicine. No longer should the legal right to this choice be infrindged upon or those that choose to use medical marijuana be in constant fear of arrest, prosecution or possible imprisonment for doing so.

After undergoing three intense rounds of chemo therapy treatments and years of daily suffering due to chronic back problems, I have firsthand knowledge to the benefits of using medical marijuana. During these past chemo treatments, I've also been prescribed Marinol for nausea and loss of appetite. In my experience, Marinol (synthetic THC) is greatly overated, highly expensive and lacks the medical benefits of using organic marijuana.

Kudo's to the many citizens of New Hampshire who support and have worked so hard toward the passing of HB 0648. Passage of this bill will bring positive results to everyone in our fine state.




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- Dave, Goffstown

First of all, WS of Manchester, that was hilarious. I actually laughed.

Second of all, Kathy B from Laconia is right. Judging by the number of people in support of this bill through these comments, you all need to speak up! The few whom are against this bill sure are.

Third of all, if the state of New Hampshire can profit from the horrible effects of alcohol abuse, then why, oh why, can they not profit from pot? There is a HUGE difference between the two that I have seen first hand. I've seen many people steal, drink rubbing alcohol, going through DTs, even saw my grandmother stabbed, all due to alcohol. The worst thing I've seen anyone due whilst on weed is eat all of my snack cakes. Read up on why pot is illegal in the first place (money that the cotton industry was afraid it would lose to hemp).
- Christopher, brentwood

I am surprised no one has brought up the most important question, which section of the Constitution gives the federal government any say on medicine or drugs? The FDA is only one of many of the alphabet soup of unconstitutional agencies, departments, agencies, regulations, laws, etc. The Tenth Amendment is clear, the individual states have the authorithy to leagilize or ban an drug as they see fit. It is time the Supremes recognized it also. James Madison and Benjamin Franklin call your office.
- Howard, Cheyenne, WY

My nephew is real sick and has been able to get meds for it that only slightly help, because he can't get a prescription for marijuana he was using it on his own and was arrested. My nephew is now not able to eat and is dying. All states need to legalize it. I have family members killing themselves with alcohol and maybe someone else. Drinking is far more dangerous.
- Karen, Manchester

LET THE STONERS HAVE IT ALREADY!!!

Nevermind the "medicinal effects". This is all about opening the door to legalization. So legalize it. I've never smoked it and never will. However, I'm all for anything that will make a large number of people more stupid...which in turn makes me look smarter. There's no need to raise your I.Q. if everyone else's is dropping. Same effect.
- Mark, Bedford

this, is the most fantastic bill ever. It really does give people that are ailing just a little comfort. I love all the skeptics clawing for some half done excuse for it not to go through. pot makes people happy, hungry, and sleepy. its legalization isn't going to send people running rampid into the streets with guns. Brian from Farmington is a funny guy. and whoever asked "where will we get it all?" thats called a job my friend, something that is scarce these days. an opportunuty for a farmer out of work that has mouths to feed, instead of these punk teenagers or whoever is doing the job now. the government can only prosper from it. the police will be free to spend time on harmful drugs or violent crime. and the tax money generated could be used for SO much!
great job U.L.!
- Brandon, Goffstown

Marinol doesn't work if your too nauseous to swallow it. And, there has been evidence proving that although the structure of real THC and synthetic THC is the same the atomic structure differs, and this makes a huge difference. The other cannibinoids also play a HUGE role in pain management that THC by itself doesn't always cure (i'm talking of course about CBD and CBH).

I for one PERSONALLY KNOW a brain cancer survivor from california. Chemo did not shrink his tumor, and when he started smoking pot it completely disappeared.

Its hard to argue facts:
1. Marinol doesn't help those who can't swallow it, and doesn't work as quickly and as powerfully as smoking or using a vaporizor (which, for all of you arguing that pot smoking is bad this is completely safe; no smoke involved)

2. It is PROVEN, through numerous studies (the number greatly outweighs studies arguing against) that it kills cancer cells

there is no argument
- Scott, Manchester

Well after going through all the posts and reading some of the opposing views on the subject it's obvious that these people that either doubt that marijuana in a smoked form helps or is worth people using it "unless it's made into a pill form", well some people cannot take pills for one but I'm not a chemist but there are reasons it works better when smoked, there are other chemicals that are produces when burned and inhaled which is what helps the sick.

The problem I see is it's going to be hard to make sure you only have 6 seeds and only 6 plants, etc...., they don't take into consideration that some plants are going to be male which cannot be used and have to be thrown away unless your going to pollenate the female plant to make seeds you generally throw out the male plant and if you do pollenate you will have way more than 6 seeds but it will be worth to stay within the Laws and limits anyway to get the benifit of being able to use it.

If these people that are against it can only have "my" pain for one week I think they might change their minds if they knew that it would help them even reduce their pain 50%!!! When you are in constant pain 24/7 it effects your whole life and to be able to smoke a few puffs of a joint at night or during the day and get immediate relief/help from some of your pain I'm sure they would have different views on it.
I cannot understand why such a stigma with this herb, I wonder if any of these people that don't want this "Medical" Bill approved DRINK?" I'd put money on it that they either drink or smoke cigarettes!!! Which I think cost the Government, Hospitals, Insurance Comany's etc... more money then Marijuana ever could in yours your childs and your childs children's lifetime.

I applaud the Union Leader for it's stance on the subject. Good for you!!!
- Jim, Concord, NH

In a related story:

Local supermarkets have reported there is a run on potato chips, funyuns, and cheesy poofs. The state police have reported that the speed on the highway has slowed to 35 mph and Meadowbrook has added 3 Grateful Dead shows this summer.
- WS, Manchester

Hey Alex,

I have spent the last few years living in New Hampshire and know the people involved with this movement and after reading your post I understand where you're coming from and want to clarify some of your questions for you.

First I am a California native. I recently moved back and have had a wealth of education on how the Medical Marijuana works here.

Medi-Cal the state health insurance company that works hand in hand with Medicare, DOES actually provide insurance benefits for med marijuana.

Here, we have Co-ops or dispensaries, pretty much little shops that get licensed through the state to grow and provide for the approved users. They then order cannabis seeds from wholesalers that are generally not in this country and they grow the plants in secret warehouses that the public doesn't know about. After the cultivation process is complete, they fill their store with a variety of products ranging from edibles (chocolate cake, cupcakes, brownies, candies, lollipops, etc) that contain THC, various marijuana strains because depending on the type of marijuana it can provide a different effect, seeds, clones of cannabis plants, and paraphernalia (so to speak).

By setting up shops like this it takes the money out drug dealers hands and puts it in to a taxable, legitimate business. California racks in millions of dollars a year on medical marijuana taxes.

If you have any other questions feel free to email me at frrros@aol.com
- Forrest, Los Angeles, CA

Hey Alex in Nashua - They will (hopefully be able to possess) 6 seeds and 6 plants, so they can grow it themselves.
I hope that this passes and they legalize it all together. They should pay more attention to the people who are addicted to alcohol and prescription drugs, because those are the drugs that kill people and harm families, not pot.
- S, Pelham

Deirdre's comment that she owns her body strikes fear into the authoritarian heart of Brian of Farmington. But I agree with her and would indeed legalize all drugs--and don't see why it requires a prescription AND a state license to use this naturally occurring substance, though I personally prefer coffee despite its greater risks.

Nevertheless, it would be great to see the state stop spending money on eradication of marijuana, a process that will drive up the street price and the level of corruption the closer we get to 100%. The police resources will be necessary to combat the wave of tobacco smuggling that current government policy is certain to cause.
- Spike, Brentwood NH

Good to see the Union Leader editorial page come down on the side of compassion for the sick. For that, the UL deserves credit.

However, as we see in editorials day after day, this paper will take any opportunity to criticize Democrats when they disagree with the position the Union Leader is taking. On this issue, the position of the Union Leader is in contrast to that taken by Republican leadership in the House and the Senate. GOP Chairman John H. Sununu said - in this paper, less than a month ago - that a House committee's support of medical marijuana "confirmed the Democratic agenda is coming out of San Fransisco."

Where is the Union Leader's criticism of Republicans when the two disagree on policy issues? Is the Union Leader's partisanship so entrenched that it won't even criticize Republicans when it is logical to do so? What does it say to readers when the UL won't even address the GOP chair calling their position part of a "San Fransisco" agenda?
- Dan, Manchester

"Worse yet, is our tax money going to be used to keep welfare recipients' stashes filled?"

Our tax money already keeps their kitchens filled and health insurance paid. What is your point Alex? This is about nothing more than providing relief for people suffering with a deadly disease. Would you feel better if we just took them out back and shot them?
Should we put a ban on prescription morphine and let people in pain suffer because you are worried about welfare abuse? Do you think only people on welfare get cancer? Are you afraid they will “pretend” to have cancer to get their “meds”? Pot is much cheaper to manufacture than
most pharmaceuticals that are legal. You put a seed in some dirt and add water. No need for a lab full of chemicals.

The idiotic drivel just keeps coming doesn't it? And people say using pot can make one paranoid...

How can you be afraid of a plant with medicinal benefits that has never killed anyone EVER but condone the use of alcohol (by not speaking against it's legality) for recreational purposes??

Another one who apparently has never witnessed someone going thru chemo/radiation….it’s not a pretty picture Alex, perhaps you should do a little research before you open your mouth and something else stupid falls out.
- Zizzy, Manchester

I sincerely hope this passes because it is a medical attribute for many people. BUT, this being a backward conservative state will probably kill it. I hope not.

Unfortunately it is also viewed as a precursor to legalization of small amounts.

I don't think that we'll ever see capital punishment used or the legalization of pot. I hope I'm wrong on both counts.
- BA, Derry

I don't often agree with the editorial position of the UL, but I do on this issue. Clearly, each issue we face must be examined on its own merits, not just by aligning with the side with which we normally identify. Thanks to the UL and posters for an informative dialogue.
- Dan, Auburn

What I would like to know, and what I have not seen a single article clarify: Where is this marijuana going to come from? The only sources right now are drug dealers. Does the state expect critically ill patients or their caregivers to buy from drug dealers?

I can't imagine any company would try to grow or import a supply knowing that such an activity is still in violation of federal law. Even if this bill passes, you're not going to be able to send a prescription to Express Scripts or CVS and receive some marijuana in exchange. What is the state's plan here?

What about insurance coverage? I doubt national health insurance companies are going to pay for something the federal government says is illegal.

Worse yet, is our tax money going to be used to keep welfare recipients' stashes filled? How do we make sure that there is no abuse? How are the people protected?

This all sounds great in theory, but I think there's a lot left unanswered.
- Alex, Nashua

Thank you, Union Leader. Good work!
- Tina, Bedford

H have a very sick friend who is dying from diabetes. His legs hurt constantly and the meds don't work anymore. He believes legalization who help him through these difficult days.
- cleverdave, madison

Mike, Hooksett - Pill forms of THC have been available for decades. They have been proven time and again to be ineffective when compared to smoking as a form of delivery.

Even 'potheads' know this
- Art, Portsmouth

Common sense from the Union Leader. Nice to see. This is a great step towards eventual legalization of marijuana.

For the dim bulbs out there up in arms at the thought of legal drugs, I have simple advice. Take a drive up Rt. 93 and see if you can notice the state of New Hampshire selling the legal, deadly, and addictive drug alcohol right on the highway! Let's not forget, the legal and deadly drug alcohol is the state drug. Let's also remember that even though drunk drivers kill someone in America every 45 minutes, the state of New Hampshire has no problem making it very easy to acquire this drug right off the interstate in multimillion dollar locations.

With governments starving for income, isn't it time they tapped into the pot goldmine, the largest cash crop in America? At the same time, savings in wasted enforcement and incarceration costs only sweeten the pot!

That pot, a far safer drug than alcohol, is still illegal, is one of the greater hypocrisies in our culture.
- Shndlr, Manchester, NH

This is an Open Request for everyone that would like to see this HB648 become a reality...
I attended the testimony Tuesday in Concord, and even spoke. I believe the Senators, for the most part, want to pass HB648, but they don't see or hear from enough people coming forward and saying they need it or know someone who needs it. The Senators want to hear from the sick people and their families. They need to see just how big this problem really is!
Write a letter, write a post card, write an email, but do SOMETHING!!
The Senate will vote in 2 weeks then on to the Gov. There's only a week to mail something!
It's good to read what you have to say, and why you personally support medicinal marijuana but don't count on the Senators who actually vote on this to read your post here. Put it on paper and mail it to your Senator. It really does matter. That is how your voice and opinion will count.
Thank you to all the incredible people who are brave enough to do this... speak out! We are patients, not criminals.
Find out who to email or write to in your area on this site:
http://nhcompassion.org/content/take_action
- Kathy B., Laconia

It is great to hear this opinion from the UL.

I am glad that are legislature, and our culture is getting over this idea that all 'true' medicine comes in the form of a pill.
Most patients that have tried the pill form of THC complain that it is not as effective, and it contains 100% THC.
This ineffectiveness is mostly do to how long it takes for the THC in the pill to kick in, 30-40
min. Then the effect is typically unpredictable.
As far as smoked cannabis goes, not only does it contain THC (usually in the 4%-12% range) their are over 60 other cannibanoids that aid the therapeutic effect of the plant.

I am glad that the UL understands, and that the Legislature is learning, in a free country patients and doctors should make these decisions, not government.
- Phillip, Nashua

Bryan--The motives become clear?

Marinol is available as a prescription drug, however, however Marinol is not natural cannabis. Marinol consists of a synthetic cannabinoid, synthetic THC. Although this pill does offer an alternative to ill patients, it is also important to note that Marinol is not necessarily a substitute for natural cannibis. Natural cannibis contains other cannabinoids that cause positive effects which are not found in Marinol. The effects of Marinol are also limited among a select group of patients. Again, natural cannabis may provide (and has been proven to do so) relief to patients not afforded to them with "conventional" prescription drugs. You must understand that although there are other drugs out there, they may not help, or help to the point cannabis does, in relief or they may provide greater pain and discomfort than good. And, for further clarification, patients will need to have tried other drugs and found them unable to help them in order to get a medical marijuana permit. The bill is written more strictly than has been seen in other states that have passed medical marijuana laws.

I would also caution how you see the passage of this bill. It is not to make all illegal drugs legal. In fact, I am sure that many people that support the legalization of medical marijuana use, or even marijuana use in general, may not support the legalization of all illegal drugs. Other illegal drugs have more clearly defined and observed effects on the human mind, psyche and overall well being. As has been said, marijuana cannot be overdosed on. In fact, it takes something like 20-40,000 times the regular dosage to kill someone, a number that is impossible to reach. There are reasons why it is illegal in this country, I dare say that it is not because of its bad effects.

If your argument is that marijuana is harmful, I challenge to ask you why you're not up in arms over the legality of tobacco and alcohol both of which do far greater damage to our country's citizens than marijuana does.
- Nichole, Middleton

Bryan in Nashua, if you have read anything about Marinol you would also know that its side effects can often be worse or exaggerate symptoms that are already present in seriously ill patients. We all know how irresponsible people use the drug, and that's always going to be a concern, but the fact of the matter is that if it is under medical supervision and can help eliminate symptoms of a serious illness then perhaps we should open our minds a bit to the idea that this drug does have beneficial purposes as well. NHCompassion.org has run a wonderfully responsible campaign for this issue, and has been clear through out their campaign that the only purpose they are advocating for is medicinal use, not full legalization.
- Correy, Goffstown

Haven't you listen..the pepole that have testifed are in pain !! Don't cause them more with your heartless comments.
You would think so differently if you walked in their shoes. Count your blessings. Try harder to understand!
- Barbara Blanchette, Manchester

Deidre in Goffstown - using your rationale, an argument could be made for legalizing all drugs since, as you say, the government shouldn't control your body. Perhaps it would be better if you ranted in some third world country.
- Brian, Farmington

Bill Loeb is turning over in his grave. And look at that Nackey he is turning left. Thank the lord, hell has frozen over

*** Editor's note: The Union Leader's editorial page has long supported the legal use of marijuana for limited medical reasons. ***
- dp, laconia

It’s amazing how many people are not talking from actual facts just their opinions. President Nixon funded a study thru the FDA to show that “marijuana is bad” in the 70’s and when the FDA came out and said the benefits far outweigh the risks he cancelled the study and didn’t allow it to be released to the general public. At that time they know it had medical benefits and did not lead to harder drugs but it was not what Nixon wanted to hear.
- Bruce, Derry

Mike/Hooksett: Medical marijuana already exists in pill form. It's called Marinol and it's been deemed safe by the FDA and has none of the harmful effects of smoking marijuana.

With respect to the UL's editorial, this caring and compassion campaign waged by the pro-legalization crowd for medical marijuana is just a stepping-stone towards full legalization of all illegal drugs. If you ask yourself why they insist on smoking marijuana instead of taking it as it already exists in pill form (Marinol), their motive becomes clear.
- Bryan, Nashua

Brian, Farmington - NO benefits over conv meds currently available? Clearly you are not talking from a place of experience. Anyone that has to take multiple script meds or has taken care of a chronically ill person KNOWS there are better alternatives out there - our government just won't "let us" use them. Interesting that the government approved drugs cause more problems (even suicide and rage) than alternatives (of which there are many) that are illegal. My mother had cancer twice. She had a list of close to a dozen prescript meds she had to take. Why so many? Because one helped with one problem but caused another, so on and so forth. Medications also alter how the body processes essential vitamins and minerals which in turn effect the whole body (organs and blood) and often require additional medication to offset and/or have life threatening indications. If she was able to use alternative treatments, she could have avoided most of the problems and expense of the conventional meds you deem sufficient. If she could have used marijuanna instead of morphine, not only would she have avoided at least 3-4 other meds on her list, she would have gotten the appetite, the prescription for appetite never gave her. Incidentally, she died of starvation, as do many with cancer. Marijuanna would have given her the "munchies" that could have helped sustain her body and help it to fight the cancer, or at the least, be more comfortable. The so-called benefits of the conv meds currently available are far outweighed by the harm they cause in many cases. The government should not be allowed to own our bodies and deny us our right to take care of it the way we choose or best see fit. In the future, if I or someone I love is faced with the options my mother had, I WILL break "the law" and explore ALL alternative options that are in MY/their best interest, not some drug makers or the government. We are guaranteed the right of LIFE and LIBERTY and I intend to pursue it! MY BODY, not yours!
- Deirdre, Goffstown

Brian - Chances are that these individuals that are given the Rx for marijuana under this bill, are not going to be in the right mind frame or physical condition to be "dealing" give me a break.

If someone that is dying or undergoing serious health issues/treatment needs to smoke some pot in order to be able to eat or alleviate some of the symptoms you think this is wrong? If you ever watched someone you loved be eaten away by cancer, and go through chemo that destroys their appetite and well being, you would think differently. If not, you are insensitve and without common sense.
And people that feel that because it is available in pill form means that it does not need to be cleared for patients to smoke? Eating the pot, or the drug has an entirely different effect on you than smoking it. You don't really get an increased appetite, therefor it is not effective in the same way as smoke.
- Mike, Manchester

This is why we have the Food and Drug Administration. If they say it is ok, then it is ok. We don't need to put it up for a vote. What is next, cocaine because it numbs you out?
- Mike, Bedford

Brian Farmington- How many rounds of Chemo have you gone thru? Have you ever closely witnessed first hand someone battling cancer? Pharmaceuticals don’t always do the job and have many negative side effects. Who are you to deny medicine to someone with a terminal illness because of your ignorance? Do you enjoy watching people who have been handed a death sentence suffering needlessly? Get off your high horse and mind your own business, this only affects those who need it.
- Zizzy, Manchester

The only problem part of pot use is the money that goes off into the black market.

The chemical itself is pretty benign, but the industry of prosecution is in it for the cash, the dealers are in it for the cash too. Take out the profit and problem is solved. Too liberal? Ok continue to fund crime with millions of our dollars, continue to divert millions of our ta dollars to enforcement. Load gun, shoot self in foot.
- Jose, Manchester

Brian, MJ is already available everywhere in NH. Even small towns likely have multiple dealers. A few more might cause the price to go down, that's about it.
- DM, Hampton

"Tightly controlled"? So are prescription drugs, but that doesn't stop the drug problem with them. Other illegal drugs are banned, but we still have a problem with them. So don't kid yourself that making marijuana available under tightly controlled conditions will be problem free. It will simply increase the availability as those with prescriptions begin growing and dealing. We don't need marijuana leagalized for any use. It provides no benefits over conventional medications we currently have available.
- Brian, Farmington

DUDE...maybe they will pass it on 420... how cool would that be
- Mel, Hill

Fine if the potheads want Medicinal Marijuana I am okay with that. It can be put out in PILL form.......Now the potheads can cry about how it isn't as good. TOO bad if they are going to legalize it for use as Medicine then it should be in a form that prevents it from being smoke. Let the comments begin.
- Mike, Hooksett

Thank you for this editorial.

While I disagree with specifics of the bill (I find it far too restrictive, and complying will be a hardship on patients), it is drastically better than the current status quo.

It is physically impossible to overdose on marijuana, unlike every drug approved by the FDA, and prescribed by doctors, for pain relief. Not to mention the over-the-counter pain relievers which are fatal if consumed to excess.

The negative side effects of marijuana are minimal, while the positives are numerous.

Marijuana prohibition has done far more damage to society than marijuana use ever could. To read the words of active and retired law enforcement officers who agree, please visit Law Enforcement Against Prohibition at www.leap.cc.
- Kevin, Lancaster

I just wanted to thank you for this article, so "thanks", it is an important issue.
- Christian, Pawley's Island, SC