I came here to share some good news, but reading the messages here, I 
think I've brought it to deaf ears.
    Six years ago, my Intraocular Pressure (IOP) hit a dangerous high of 28 
(at 30, most ophthalmologists feel they must intervene), and treatment was 
discussed. There was, however, no damage to the optic nerve, and no loss of 
vision as determined by a visual field scan. My glaucoma specialist agreed 
that I should try alternate methods of reducing pressure rather than begin a 
chemical regime that would be lifelong.
    Last month, my diagnosis was changed from "glaucoma suspect" to mere 
myopia.. 
    Ocular pressure has dropped to normal levels, and there is still no 
damage to the optic nerve or vision loss. Alternate nonmedical methods, from 
consciously relaxing the eyes to daily marijuana use, are the only changes. I 
take no pharmaceuticals for any condition.
    Over the years, I have been promoted several times in my job, and my 
family life and overall health are excellent. 
    As a bonus, the "altered state" brought about by the "noxious weed" is 
relaxing and enlightening -- after smoking I often see daily problems from a 
different perspective and creative solutions present themselves. 
    If anything, I have become more patient and more easily able to let go of 
the "killer stress" I used to bring home from work.
    I can't see why this plant is illegal, and -- especially -- why it's 
treated so hysterically in this echo, which purports to be open to what 
orks.
    
    It's disappointing to discover strident voices seeking to squelch the 
spirit of exploration inherent in the title "altmed." Perhaps my speaking of 
real results on a real person will lead to a more levelheaded discussion of
the plant that's saving my sight.
                 NIH Report Supports Marijuana's Medical Potential,
                          Recommends Future Trials
          August 14, 1997, Washington, DC:  Marijuana has therapeutic
potential in the treatment of many serious illnesses including AIDS wasting
syndrome, spasticity disorders, and glaucoma, and future scientific trials
should be funded by the federal government, said a report released by the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) on August 8.
          NIH experts agreed that marijuana "looks promising enough to
recommend that there be new controlled studies done."  Panelists insisted
that future trials should not hold marijuana to higher scientific standards
than those applied to other medications or required by law.  The report also
noted that there are patients "for whom the inhalation route might offer
advantages over the currently available capsule formulation."
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