UP IN MARIJUANA SMOKE

Dear Editor,

In your editorial "Up in Marijuana Smoke" (March 8, 2000), you say you
"look forward to the day when the mighty weed returns to its proper place
as a strictly controlled illegal substance."

This statement is based on ONE study that showed that "a middle-aged
person's risk of heart attack rises nearly five-fold in the first hour
after smoking marijuana" (March 3 article). Are you aware that countless
research applications to study the effects of marijuana have been denied?
The government had denied dozens of applications out of fear that the
benefits of marijuana will become scientifically known.

The government only accepts applications for marijuana research that are
designed to show negative results.

I agree there are some risks, but I want the scientific truth about the
benefits as well as the risks. It will not happen as long as the federal
bias against marijuana exists.

Melissa Finn
Southeast Portland