Most of us, if we live long enough, will experience somedegree of physical suffering. We may become ill ourselves or have familymembers or friends who struggle with progressive and possibly life-threateningdiseases.

In my life, I have watched my father gradually slip awayfrom Alzheimer's. Other people I have known endured surgeries and rounds ofchemo and radiation therapies before losing their battle to various forms ofcancer. Literally countless numbers of friends have struggled and died fromcomplications stemming from HIV/AIDS.

When a loved one is seriously ill, it seems like there is solittle that any of us can do. We take them to doctor appointments. Tryconvincing them that everything is going to be fine (though we suspect thatwon't be the case). We bring them meals in the hope that they can eat. We holdtheir hands. And sometimes, when the suffering has become almost unbearable, wetell them it's OK to let go and die.

But there is something more we can do that may help easepain or lessen conditions or side-affects associated with diseases that aresometimes terminal. Medically prescribed marijuana can help treat nausea,increase appetite and prevent unintentional weight loss. It has proven usefulin the alleviation of pain. It may calm patients who are anxious and help themrest more comfortably.

Last week, 36 members of the Minnesota Senate voted in themajority to approve the medical use of marijuana for seriously ill patients.I'm not sure if they voted this way based on the benefits of medicallyadministered cannabis, or if they have experienced physical suffering in theirlives. Whatever the reason, I'm grateful our Senate has approved the measure.The Minnesota House of Representatives is expected to consider similarlegislation during this session. Governor Tim Pawlenty, citing concerns aboutincreased crime and drug use, opposes the legalization of medical marijuana.

Minnesota isnot at the forefront of this issue. Fourteen states, from Alaskaand Hawaii to Rhode Island and Vermont,have legalized the use of medical marijuana, as have countries like Canada,Austria and Israel.There are lessons to be learned from these states and countries about how tolegally administer appropriate dosages of marijuana to the appropriate patientsthat will not increase the illegal use of the substance.

For those of you who haven't experienced physical suffering– count your blessings. And join those of us who want to do more than just holdthe hands of dying loved ones by urging our representatives to legalize themedical use of marijuana in Minnesota.