by Chris Killian | Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette

KALAMAZOO — The chief medical officer of Kalamazoo County might use marijuana to alleviate the pain of his glaucoma — if it were legal.

In 2000, Richard Tooker, 54, was diagnosed with pigmentary glaucoma, a rare eye disease where fluid buildup inside the eye can lead to intense pain. Blindness is also possible.

“I would consider taking it, if it were legal, for medical use,” he said. “I want to keep my vision.”

Studies have shown marijuana can lessen pressure in the eyes of those with glaucoma.

Tooker said he would have to consult with legal counsel before he used the drug. That’s because, even if Michigan voters in November decide to allow medical marijuana use by seriously ill patients, it still would be illegal under federal law.

Users of medical marijuana, as well as others who support its use, say the drug offers relief to those suffering debilitating conditions. They also say it would be cheaper than buying the drug off the street and that use and production can be controlled if properly regulated.

But questions remain.

How would the appropriate dose be established for those who are deemed eligible users? Are there possible negative health effects from using the drug for medical reasons? Do alternatives to medical marijuana already exist?

“On the balance, it’s a good thing,” Tooker said of medical marijuana. “And if we’re going to legalize marijuana for medical use in Michigan, let’s legalize it across the country. It’s a dicey, difficult issue.”

State Sen. Tom George, R-Texas Township, worked for Hospice of Greater Kalamazoo and sometimes prescribed a synthetic — and legal — form of marijuana called Marinol.

But the drug is not cheap.

Ninety Marinol pills at the middle dosage strength of 5 milligrams cost $1,140 at www.drugstore.com, an online pharmacy….