
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 11, 1992                   TAG: 9203110115
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-8   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

MARIJUANA'S MEDICAL USE BANNED

The government says Americans suffering from AIDS, cancer and glaucoma can't use marijuana to ease their plight. Officials say the drug might harm those with weak immune systems.

The Public Health Service said Tuesday that only 13 people already smoking marijuana legally for medical purposes will be allowed to continue. Their supplier: the federal government.

Advocates of medical marijuana say it combats nausea, vomiting and weight loss common to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to some AIDS sufferers; reduces eye pressure in the treatment of glaucoma; and helps reduce muscle spasms common to such neurological conditions as multiple sclerosis.

by CNB