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In the Friday edition of the San Francisco Examiner, it was reported that certain medicinal uses of Pot were to be allowed by the state legislature. Uses were to overcome nausea when taking certain medications. Here is the story. Assembly votes medical use of pot Friday, May 19, 1995 SACRAMENTO -- AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple sclerosis patients could legally smoke pot, with a doctor's approval, under a bill narrowly approved by the state Assembly. "I think what makes it most bizarre is the government makes you a criminal if you take care of your own pain," said the author, Assemblyman John Vasconcellos, D-San Jose. The bill was approved Thursday by a slim majority and sent to the Senate. The Legislature last year passed a similar bill by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco, but Gov. Wilson vetoed it. Possession of an ounce or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $100. More than an ounce can bring up to six months in jail and a $500 fine. Cultivation of the plant can bring up to three years in state prison. The bill would allow an AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple sclerosis patient, with a doctor's approval, to possess or cultivate marijuana for personal use. Vasconcellos says medical studies from Harvard University and the National Institute on Drug Abuse have shown an ingredient in marijuana can control nausea caused by drugs used to combat cancer and AIDS, can lower eye pressure caused by glaucoma and can reduce muscle spasms and pain related to MS. The synthetic form of the ingredient THC could be prescribed as a pill, he said, but is 10 times more expensive, less effective and more incapacitating than smoking marijuana. "I am convinced from research and relatives that marijuana does have an effect on cancer and AIDS patients," said Assemblyman James Rogan, R-Glendale, a former judge. He said prosecuting terminal patients for pot possession would cost thousands of dollars. But several Republicans said marijuana should not be legal for any reason, citing federal law prohibiting such legalization. John Cottingham NEW ADDRESS: [log in to unmask]