SOUND OFF!

SHOULD MARIJUANA BE LEGAL FOR MEDICAL USE?

Last week, the U.S. Supreme court derailed the drive toward medical
use of marijuana. The court, in its 8-0 decision, ruled that federal
law recognizes no medicinal benefit with the drug.

Because of the ruling, cooperatives that distribute marijuana to the
sick can be prevented from doing so by federal law-enforcement
authorities.

Nationwide, polls show heavy support for medical use of marijuana.
Initial studies show it eases side effects of chemotherapy and
symptoms of other serious illnesses, including AIDS. But there have
been no efforts to compile substantial data because the drug is
illegal in America.

Proponents for allowing medical uses say available evidence is
convincing that the drug has legitimate medical uses and that alone is
reason enough for the drug to be reclassified.

Opponents say marijuana's medical uses are overblown and
undersupported and reclassifying it could create an expanded market
for its illegal uses.

The Tribune-Star wants to know readers' thoughts on the issue. Here's
your chance to tell us what you think.

Send us a letter to the editor by Thursday, May 31, expressing your
views. We will publish as many responses to this question as space
permits, beginning next Saturday on the editorial page. Please keep
your response letters to 150 words or less.

All letters must contain the author's name, address and telephone
number. Only the author's name and city of residence will be published
with the letter. The address and telephone are needed for author
verification purposes.

Responses can be sent by U.S. mail, fax or e-mail:

U.S. mail -- Tribune-Star Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 149, Terre
Haute, Ind. 47808.

Fax -- (812) 231-4321

E-mail -- soundoff@tribstar.com