Marijuana use

        CEDAR FALLS -- Allen Helmers was the focus of a front-page article concerning his use of marijuana for medical purposes only.  I, too, suffer from Fibromyalgia Syndrome of which there is no cure or treatment found.  I can no longer work, and many activities are impossible because of this ailment.  I was a business owner and had steady employment until this took over my life.  My life no long belongs to me.
        Fibromyalgia (FMS) controls me with overall constant pain, total exhaustion and fatigue.  I never get a rested night's sleep.  No rested sleep results in many other side effects including mental confusion.  I must be careful not to overdue any activity or I suffer the consequences greatly.  I have tried all the popular medications prescribed from several different specialists with no avail.  Not only do the medications I have tried not work, but they also can have some severe side effects which just compound already a bad situation to the impossible.
        FMS is an invisible disease.  I look healthy.  No one sees my suffering which affects my muscle, ligaments and tendons.  But, taking into account the benefits that are attained by using marijuana for medical reasons, I feel that this should be prescribed by physicians to alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by many diseases.
        I fully understand marijuana for recreational use being illegal.  I'm against alcohol for the same reason.  But to let people suffer is inhumane.  Those who are of the same opinion and want to help further the cause and have marijuana approved as a legal drug to be used for medical purposes only, should contact the statewide group of Iowans for Medical Marijuana.  A rally will be held in Des Moines on Oct. 6 for the medical marijuana user's plight.  Their address is P.O. Box 4091, Des Moines, Iowa 50333; Attn: Carl Olsen.

CINDY DAVIS
6422 University Ave.

The Waterloo / Cedar Falls Courier, Sunday, September 22, 1996