vol2 - Page 202
Page 202
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4. At present, I am a full-time academic on the
teaching faculty of the Louisiana University School of Medicine
in New Orleans, where I am a Full Professor.
5. Xn my role as a teaching professors I treat
patients at a variety of hospitals in the greater New Orleans
area. These patients have a variety of forms of cancer and may
receive chemotherapeutic treatments_
6o One of the biggest problems experienced by
cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy is severe nausea and
vomiting caused by their reaction to the toxic chemicals. This
nausea and vomiting can at times become life-threatening in
several ways. First, the therapy_ itself, creates a tremendous
strain on the body. Seconds some Patients cannot tolerate the
severe nausea and vomiting and decide to discontinue treatment.
7_ In the mid-1970_s, I became increasingly aware
that marijuana had potential medical value in alleviating this
nausea and vomiting. This awareness grew out of a familiarity
with research materials and articles which appeared in the
medical literature. In additions there was considerable
doctor-to-doctor communication and familiarity with patients
who appeared to be using marijuana with considerable success to
treat this nausea and vomiting. °
8. In 1978, Louisiana became one of the first
states in the nation to legislatively recognize marijuana_s
medical value. This legislation sought to make marijuana
available by presqription to seriously ill patients with cancer
and glaucoma.
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