LEGALIZE, REGULATE MARIJUANA USE

I write to congratulate you on your excellent editorial Debate pot
legalization (July 7).

Many newspaper reports on the medicinal cannabinoid studies mistakenly
concluded they were a blow to medicinal marijuana claims. Your editorial
rightly demonstrated that prohibition is causing scientists to focus on
marijuana extracts and derivatives instead of the real thing. It is
marijuana in its whole form that helps "relieve pain, nausea and
suppression of appetite for those who are ill, or undergoing medical therapy."

Decriminalization does nothing to combat crime. It may help small-time
users avoid a damaging criminal record, but it perpetuates the black market
and the criminal organizations that supply it.

I fully support the legalization and regulation of this "relatively
harmless" drug. Thank you for writing such an informed and sensible article.

Neil Macnaughton
Oakville, Ont.