Support legalization of medical marijuana

To the editor:

I am a 59-year-old woman (grandmotherly, if you will) who has been suffering with an inherited genetic autoimmune disease for 30 or so years. I am writing today to ask your support in my efforts to get medical marijuana legalized in the state of Iowa. There are currently 15 other U.S. states that have legalized medical marijuana, plus the District of Columbia. Documented sources from this country and Great Britain talk about the benefits of cannabis.

I am paralyzed from the neck down. I am bedridden and homebound. Please understand, medical marijuana must be prescribed by a licensed physician and can only be obtained through a state licensed pharmacy. I am in severe pain and discomfort 24 hours a day. You may be wondering why I don?t just take a painkiller from a doctor. 1. OxyContin is very addictive and I do not wish to become a drug addict. 2. I do not want to start drinking and destroy my liver.

I get angry when I see how the pharmaceutical companies are becoming multi-billion dollar industries and continue to grow in their wealth. I am tired of them becoming rich off of this suffering of people like me and others who have health problems.

? Marie Smallow, Fairfield