I was surprised to read the skeptical quote from Dr. Kenneth Elmassian regarding medical marijuana (June 6). There is, in fact, a large and growing body of evidence that it can be remarkably effective in treating the symptoms of debilitating diseases like cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

For instance, a top-notch study was published in February in the journal "Neurology," which found that marijuana is effective in treating peripheral neuropathy, an excruciating condition associated with HIV/AIDS and MS — for which there is no FDA-approved treatment. Supportive studies have also been published in respected, peer-reviewed journals like "The American Journal of Surgery," "The British Journal of Cancer," and "Molecular Pharmacology," among many others.

As someone who acquired Hepatitis C and AIDS from blood transfusions, I strongly feel patients should have every safe and effective treatment option possible. A compassionate medical marijuana law is long overdue.

Lynn Ray Allen, Williamston