FALLACIES IN EDITORIAL ON BENEFICIAL USES OF POT

To the editor:

Re the March 28 editorial, "Medicinal marijuana a minefield":

The editors claimed, "While various studies of pot's medical benefits are
under way, the drive to legalize marijuana is based almost entirely on
anecdotal testimony of sick people." This is a false statement.

As a pharmacist, I know that cannabis is the most heavily studied of any
drug. Numerous scientific studies attest to its efficacy in acting to
stimulate appetite, treat nausea and vomiting, lower blood pressure (while
increasing heart rate), treat glaucoma, treat muscle spasms accompanying
multiple sclerosis, ease intractable chronic pain, and other medical benefits.

The editors said, "The active ingredient in marijuana, THC, is already
available by prescription in pill form." There are many active ingredients
in cannabis besides THC. CBD is one of the more studied components, showing
anticonvulsant activity. CBD is not available in pill form.

The editors said, "Studies have documented the similarity in marijuana
addiction, and difficulty of withdrawal, to that of heroin or cocaine. Drug
experts consider marijuana a 'gateway' drug that opens the door to
experimentation with more harmful illegal drugs." Cannabis is not
physically addicting, nor is it a gateway drug. The real addictive gateway
drugs are cigarettes and beer.

The editors should seek instruction from competent doctors and pharmacists
to help them overcome their bigotry and prejudice toward cannabis and their
blind denial of the fact that the most deadly and dangerous drugs are
tobacco and alcohol.

Tom Barrus
Golden CO