Madison NORML

Source: Capital Times click here
Published: Sunday, Feb. 22, 2009

Medical cannabis effective for elderly

Dear Editor:

Problems due to overmedication of seniors are just one more reason why Wisconsin needs to join Michigan and 12 other states in passing comprehensive medical cannabis legislation. As noted by Ann Albert in her recent letter, medication management is vital for senior citizens.

Physicians and scientific researchers have found medical cannabis effective in managing symptoms and treating illness associated with aging. Medical cannabis has a number of properties that make it ideal for senior citizens. Nontoxic cannabis works synergistically with other medications, allowing patients to reduce or eliminate doses of conventional medications, reducing side effects. Cannabis can replace multiple meds: it treats many ailments common to older folks, like glaucoma, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure and chronic pain. Cannabis protects the brain against trauma from stroke or falls.

Wisconsin seniors and other patients who can benefit now from medical cannabis should not have to risk arrest and jail for something not only safer, but legally available to 25 percent of Americans under these compassionate state laws. Wisconsinites and groups that care about the health of state residents need to contact Gov. Jim Doyle and their lawmakers and ask them to pass medical cannabis legislation this session.

Gary Storck
Is My Medicine Legal YET?
Madison