After reading about the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court hearing regarding
the medical use of marijuana, as passed by voters in nine states,
including Colorado, I have these observations and thoughts.

The issue at hand is whether the "medical necessity" of marijuana
supercedes the strict federal interpretation of it being an illegal
drug.

The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as a Schedule I
drug, and as such likely has a supply of it for purposes intended for
whatever Schedule I drugs are used for. It is hard to say whether any
medical condition necessitates the use of marijuana, but its use could
be medically reasonable, appropriate and effective for certain
conditions that are unresponsive to more conventional treatments.
Therefore, if a physician in Colorado places a patient on the
"registry" authorizing its use, based on the criteria stated above
(and by law), the DEA itself could regulate and/or supply the drug so
as to eliminate concerns over those who are currently attempting to
supply it (thus breaking the law).

J. Matthew Dietz,
Denver