CHANGE DRUG LAWS

To The Editor;

Thousands of patients across New York are already using medical marijuana
to treat a serious, debilitating medical condition.

Of course, they do this in secret, fearful that if caught they can be
punished by the state.

Unfortunately, current law treats patients who use marijuana for a
legitimate medical need no differently than it treats all other drug users.

What a shameful consequence of the war on drugs.

Patients should not be penalized simply for trying to cope with their
illness. Patients should be treated differently. They should be exempt from
criminal penalties for medical marijuana.

I am glad to report, however, that New York Assemblyman Richard Gottfried
has introduced a bill that will protect medical marijuana patients. Bill A.
5878

I urge all New York residents to contact their state legislators and demand
that this bill be placed prominently on the legislature's agenda.

It is time to protect patients who have a legitimate medical need to use
marijuana.

In March 1999, the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (
IOM ) released its landmark report on medical marijuana, which found that
marijuana is beneficial in treating a number of serious medical conditions,
including cancer, AIDS, and chronic pain.

Call Senator James Wright, 315.785.2430 or 518.455.2346. Call Assembly
Member Dierdre Scozzafava, 315.287.2384 or 518.455.5797.Ask them to let
you know if they are willing to take action in accordance with IOM's
recommendations and support A. 5878.

17 states introduced medical marijuana laws during 1999-2000 legislation
sessions.

Larry Seguin Lisbon, New York