Marijuana education

        EVANSDALE — As a fibromyalgia sufferer, I was compelled to respond to the arrest of Allen Helmers for the use of marijuana for medical reasons.  Researchers haven’t been able to find a cause or cure.  The government needs to grant more money for research.  I currently take several pills a day which are not helping the pain and suffering.  I don’t like taking all this medication with varying side effects.  The results of all these medications can be life threatening.  I struggle with the grief over the loss of physical and mental abilities that I used to take for granted.  I am very frustrated with the limitations this syndrome causes in my life.  I am never free of pain.
        Many doctors need to be thoroughly educated on the reality of what fibromyalgia is.  It is founded that the medical use of marijuana has been very effective in relieving discomfort and pain for many who suffer from other illnesses also (cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, etc.).  Our medical communities need to be well informed so they can understand the need we have for a substance that can alleviate pain for so many and possibly give them back some quality of life.  Laws must be passed to enable our medical community to have the right to prescribe any drug or substance that will open a new avenue of relief for those who suffer from chronic pain.
        The use of marijuana would indeed have a significant reduction in the amount of non-beneficial prescription drugs with harmful side effects.  Marijuana cannot be any worse that the medications we are prescribed.  Why is it not available to the medical community?

JOLEEN COX
P.O. Box 3182

The Waterloo / Cedar Falls Courier, Thursday, September 19, 1996