Medicinal Use of Marijuana: A Panel Discussion Pro's and Con's

Whether marijuana will relieve your side effects or symptoms is questionable. But the risks of smoking pot are clear. Examine the facts about marijuana before making your decision.

Since 1996, twelve states have legalized medical marijuana use: AK, CA, CO, HI, ME, MT, NV, NM, OR, RI, VT, and WA. Eight of the twelve did so through the initiative process.

The Institute of Medicine's 1999 report on medical marijuana stated, "The accumulated data indicate a potential therapeutic value for cannabinoid drugs, particularly for symptoms such as pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation."

British Medical Journal: "The US Supreme Court has ruled unanimously against the medical use of marijuana, finding, by eight to nil, that because it is an illegal substance in federal law, no exceptions can be made, even for its medicinal use."

Speakers include:

*Rosanne Scotti, Esquire, Director, Drug Policy Alliance New Jersey

*Sr. Patricia Talone, RSM, Ph.D, Vice President, Mission Services, Catholic Health Association

*Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey State Nurses Association