End the Negative Stereotypes: Legalize Medicinal Marijuana in West Virginia

by: Virginia Tucker

recipient: U.S. Congress

Presently, the Controlled Substances Act does not distinguish the difference between medicinal and recreational use of marijuana. However, for some Americans, marijuana is the same as any other prescription - it is a means of escaping the evils of chronic pain. And sadly, even with federal law in its current state, those patients who acquire marijuana legally in their state can face federal prosecution.



Statistics have shown that cannabis can be used to treat many conditions such as: HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, cancer, chronic pain, arthritis, and the common aches and pains that are associated with aging. Specifically for the geriatric population of Americans, cannabis can be the greatest prescription for their pain.



In a study led for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, doctors established that nicotine was way more serious than marijuana on many levels. One such example is that nicotine is known to have more addictive properties. Likewise, if marijuana were compared with the effects and side effects of many other prescription narcotics, it would become evident exactly how beneficial of a substance it really is.



Other countries are identifying the benefits of medicinal cannabis as well. Canada, Chile and the Netherlands have decriminalized or legalized medical marijuana; while countries such as Australia and Belgium are currently conducting trials on the benefits of medical marijuana. Now it is time for the United States to rid itself of its stereotypical view of marijuana and instead identify its numerous medicinal benefits.



Tell your Congressperson today that you support federal legalization of medical marijuana in West Virginia.

read petition letter ▾ Dear Congressperson,



I am writing to ask you to end the negative stereotypical views of marijuana and consider its medicinal benefits.



While federal agencies have continually talked down the benefits of marijuana for medicinal uses, independent studies from the U.S. and around the world have found that cannabis is an effective treatment for chronic pain resulting from cancer, HIV/AIDS, arthritis, aging and numerous other ailments.



One such example, involves a study conducted for the National Institute on Drug Abuse, in which doctors found that in the categories of dependence and withdrawal, on a scale of one to six (with six being very serious and one being not serious), nicotine scored a six and a four, while marijuana scored a one in both categories. When looking at terms of intoxication, nicotine scored a two, while marijuana was only one step above at a three.



Also, other countries are recognizing the benefits of medicinal cannabis as well. Canada, Chile and the Netherlands have decriminalized or legalized medical marijuana, and countries such as Australia and Belgium are conducting trials on the benefits of medical marijuana.



The state of West Virginia has been straying from this issue because of fear of social repercussions. I believe however, that if we could just focus on the facts and not the social stereotypes; therefore making medical marijuana legal on a federal level, we could then ease the pain of millions of Americans.



Thank you for your time.



Respectfully,

Virginia Tucker