MEDICAL MARIJUANA USER SPEAKS ABOUT TREATMENT

A day following April 20, or 4-20, a number associated with marijuana use,
George McMahon spoke on campus about his involvement with medical marijuana.

McMahon is one of only five patients left in the nation who have been
approved to use marijuana legally through a little-known Food and Drug
Administration program called Investigational New Drug. McMahon was the
recipient of the National Certificate of Heroism for his participation in
the President's Drug Awareness Program signed by Nancy Reagan in 1990. He
receives 300 marijuana cigarettes a month at no cost from the government.

"When my marijuana is good I can ride my bicycle. All thank you to Uncle
Sam." said McMahon as he showed his government-issued marijuana to the
audience.

McMahon uses the marijuana to treat his rare genetic disorder, Nail Patella
Syndrome, which causes bone deformities, immune system dysfunction and renal
failure. Throughout his life McMahon has gone through 19 major surgeries and
has been prescribed morphine, Demerol, Valium, codeine and other medications
to deal with his illness.

"By the age of 14 I was addicted to prescribed morphine," McMahon said.
"When I started smoking I noticed improvement in my condition. The only side
effects would be that I would get the munchies, which is good -- otherwise
I'll lose a lot of weight."

A crowd of about 75 people listened to the presentation at 7 yesterday night
at room 303 in Strong Hall. The presentation, which included videos about
the governmental program, was sponsored by the KU Students for a Sensible
Drug Policy.

With his involvement with the FDA, McMahon is allowed to smoke legally in
every state. He said he didn't run into problems with law enforcement
officials.

"The law enforcement officials are actually quite encouraging," McMahon
said.

McMahon almost had to deal with the KU Public Safety Office when they
learned of his upcoming speech at a University Events meeting last week.

"We are not prohibiting anyone from coming to speak on campus," said Lt.
Schuyler Bailey from the KU Public Safety Office last Friday. "We just want
written proof that he is allowed to possess or smoke marijuana legally."

Chase Cookson, Wichita junior and president of KU Students for a Sensible
Drug Policy, said that it was difficult to provide proof.

Cookson said that he had talked to someone at the Drug Enforcement
Administration who acknowledged McMahon's involvement with the program.

Cookson then got on the Internet and spread word of the situation.

"We had the national chapter align all the organizations and the ACLU was
very interested in it and hiring a lawyer was mentioned," Cookson said.
"Within five hours word got out and people from all over the country began
giving Lt. Bailey a call."

Cookson said the KU Public Safety Office decided Friday night that the
speech would go on as scheduled and would accept documentation upon
McMahon's arrival.

"This man has spoken on national television and universities all across the
country," Cookson said. "It irks me that they were treating this man like a
criminal."

Willy Madel, Lawrence sophomore, was glad the KU Public Safety Office
allowed him to come.

"I think its great," Madel said. "We need more people like him to tell the
other side."


Pubdate: Tue, 22 Apr 2003
Source: University Daily Kansan, The (Lawrence, KS Edu)
Contact: editor@kansan.com
Copyright: 2003 The University Daily Kansan
Website: http://www.kansan.com/