RECLASSIFY MARIJUANA

The May 15 article "Justices strike down medical marijuana" ignored the
legal context for the inevitable decision. This ruling has no bearing on
the cultivation and use of marijuana in states that have passed medical
marijuana laws. This decision does not prohibit states from adopting
similar medical marijuana legislation, but merely denies the distribution
of Schedule I controlled substances.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 established five "schedules," into
which all illicit and prescription drugs were placed. Marijuana was placed
in Schedule I, which defines the substance as having a high potential for
abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States.

Until marijuana is reclassified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance, our
Supreme Court will be forced to oppose the distribution of medical marijuana.

Tracey Hayes and Brian Parrett
Co-Directors
Texas Network of Reform Groups