In my own medical marijuana consultant practice, I see many older folks who benefit from marijuana's varied physiological effects -- pain reliever, sleep promoter and appetite stimulant, as well as anti-anxiety, anti-nausea and anti-spasmodic relief, just to start at the top of the list.

The article quotes Walters as saying "the standard of simply feeling different or feeling better" is not proof of being safe and effective. The article then says, "Walters argues that there is not a whiff of clinical proof qualifying smoked pot as medicine." This is simply not factual. True, there are no double-blind studies because such studies have been blocked by federal law. However, there are countless published case reports proving the medical value of cannabis.

The federal government is willfully avoiding the truth that cannabis is safe and effective. Cannabis does not cause death or organ damage. It is one of the safest drugs in that way, safer than aspirin, which kills thousands every year.

It is time for the people to demand that their government get in line with the truth, and allow the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

William S. Eidelman MD Los Angeles

Please also read: Long Term Exposure To Cannabis