CHEAP POT AHEAD?

I was not surprised to see that the Star-Telegram criticized the U.S.
Supreme Court for its recent ruling on the use of marijuana to alleviate
suffering and discomfort, but I was surprised to see Friday's column by
J.R. Labbe in which she advocated legalizing its use for these purposes.

You have implied that the medical use of marijuana was sanctioned by a
report issued by the National Academy of Sciences. As I read your
reference, it states that compounds found in marijuana are suited for
treatment of certain conditions. It does not imply that we must smoke
marijuana to get these benefits.

A prescription drug has the same properties and can be used in the same
situation. A look into your copy of The Pill Book will give you this
information under the name Marinol.

It seems to me that the whole purpose of the present argument is to make
cheap marijuana available to the public under the guise of helping sick or
suffering people. Should we allow the public to grow their own poppies so
they can provide cheaply for their opium desires?

I believe we should depend on the Food and Drug Administration to determine
which drugs are safe for the treatment of various illnesses and conditions.

John Flynn
Fort Worth