Madison NORML

Jim, currently a libertarian candidate for New Jersey State Senate, read the original article and found the "least painful poison" comments very relevant to medical cannabis.

I wrote up the letter and emailed it last week, and was pleasantly surprised to find out Monday it was being considered for publication. I hope Rudy picks up a copy wherever he might be on the campaign trail...Maybe he might learn from New York Gov. Spitzer and "evolve" his position, as Spitzer has since his election last year to now being willing to sign a bill should it reach his desk.

Medical marijuana is a key alternative

Gary Storck, co-founder - Is My Medicine Legal YET?, Madison, Wis.

Mayo Clinic endocrinologist Victor Montori's comments that his patients must choose medications on the basis of "the least painful poison," rather than by the benefit, exposes a plight affecting all patients ("Diabetics face risk on drug choices," News, June 5).

Many patients often begin exploring the medical uses of cannabis to treat the side effects of conventional medications. That's why it's so maddening to hear politicians say things such as, "There are other options," as Rudy Giuliani said recently when asked about medical cannabis for cancer patients.

Dr. Steve Nissen's comments at the Avandia hearing ("This is about patients; it's not about politics.") appropriately sum up what medical cannabis opponents refuse to concede: It's about money. The "poison" is not only painful but profitable, and a portion goes toward funding the sort of candidates, generally Republicans, who spout, "There are other options," while generations of patients are denied a safer, often more effective drug alternative.