DOPE CRUSADER'S FIGHT HIS OWN

To the editor:

Please save me from Michael Patriquen and his fight with bad government and
bad laws (Judge Extinguishes Pot Advocate's Lawsuit, The Daily News, May 9).

He's fighting for me and all Canadians, he says. I can do without his help,
thank you.

If he wants to smoke marijuana, why can't he just be honest and say he's
doing it for himself. I don't want to smoke it and I don't want my kids to
either.

Besides, issues such as increased risk of cancer, poor short-term memory,
and inconclusive research to support safe, effective and appropriate use,
marijuana seems to have distorted Mr. Patriquen's perception to the point
that he thinks that his fight is my fight.

Also, if he needs THC/dope for chronic pain, his doctor probably can access
a medication that is a legal form of the drug - though he can't smoke it
and it doesn't give the high smoking dope gives him. It also carries less
risks than that joint does.

And, by the way, columnist Parker Barss Donham should spend some time
talking to the increasing number of families who are attempting to salvage
their lives from the impact of "only marijuana."

J.M. Tobin

Dartmouth