Consider the benefits

As printed in the Berlin Journal Newspapers and affiliates on Thursday August 12th, 2010.  Volume 32

As we have learned from past letters, educational seminars and public awareness campaigns; marijuana reform is on the horizon, both at the local, state and federal level. With our economy hurting, why import hemp for food and fiber, let our farmers grow this versatile crop on American soil.

With diseases and ailments like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, sleep apnea, hypertension and a plethora of cancers killing patients, why cannot they use marijuana, a natural medicine used since antiquity, to help alleviate pain? They can and do with great success and no adverse side effects like the manufactured chemicals doctors have in their tool box. With prescription drug abuse approaching an epidemic, our society needs safer choices.

I would also like to thank all the people who sought me out at the Green Lake County Fairgrounds. It was great to see everyone again. Previous years I had my insurance and investment business featured at the fair in the vendor exhibit area. As I made a career change, I tried to obtain a booth to feature our local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and then later my campaign for State Assembly, but was denied a booth.

Jay Selthofner