[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2240-E2241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SIDE WITH THE DOCTORS AND SCIENTISTS, NOT THE DOPE SMOKERS

                                 ______


                        HON. GERALD B.H. SOLOMON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 28, 1995

  Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would urge all of my colleagues to oppose 
legislation--H.R. 2618--to allow marijuana for medical use.

[[Page E 2241]]

  The FDA has repeatedly rejected marijuana for medical use because it 
adversely impacts concentration and memory, the lungs, motor 
coordination, and the immune systems. A recent evaluation of the issue 
by scientists at NIH concluded, after carefully examining the existing 
preclinical and human data, there is no evidence to suggest that smoked 
marijuana might be superior to currently available therapies for 
glaucoma, weight loss associated with AIDS, and nausea and vomiting 
associated with cancer chemotherapy.
  The simply truth is that organizations promoting this bill--normal/
drug policy foundation--are intentionally exploiting the pain and 
suffering of others as part of their back door attempt to legalize 
marijuana.
  Marijuana weakens the human immune system. That is why, oncologists 
reject the idea of prescribing smoked marijuana for cancer 
chemotherapy. Crude marijuana contains over 400 different chemicals. 
Marinol--oral THC--is available for the treatment of nausea associated 
with chemotherapy. Yet, safer and more effective medications are 
preferred by physicians.
  While marijuana and several other substances can lower intraocular 
eye pressure associated with glaucoma the medication must be carefully 
tailored to prevent further eye damage. Besides numerous adverse side 
effects of smoking marijuana, the dose cannot be controlled.
  There are also misconceptions about the use of marijuana in treating 
treat the wasting syndrome associated with AIDS. It is ineffective in 
increasing weight gain and further compromises the immune system. It 
also puts AIDS patients at significant risk for infections and 
respiratory problems.
  For these reasons the American Cancer Society, the American Glaucoma 
Society, and the American Medical Society all oppose using marijuana 
for medicinal purposes. Oppose H.R. 2618 and reject those who make 
empty promises to patients with chronic illnesses.
  When you hear from the conspiracy theory dope smokers, who spend most 
of their time flooding the internet with prodrug messages aimed at 
kids, keep in mind that the physicians and other health care 
professionals who care for AIDS, cancer, and glaucoma patients 
overwhelmingly oppose this ill-advised legislation.

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