LET PATIENTS AND DOCTORS DECIDE ABOUT POT USE

Dear Editor: Your article about medical marijuana advocate Jacki Rickert
really drives home the inhumane nature of our failed war on drugs.

It is hard to believe that in the interest of "protecting" us, our
government not only prohibits citizens from using a time-tested, effective
and safe medication but also actively tries to jail those who use it. The
raid on Jacki's home was unconscionable. Even worse, though, are our
elected officials who allow these policies to continue.

It is time for our leaders to stop playing doctor and let decisions about
medical conditions and treatments be made by patients and their physicians.
I applaud state Reps. Frank Boyle and Mark Pocan for their efforts to allow
sick Wisconsinites the right to use marijuana to ease their pain. I
sincerely hope that other state Assembly and Senate members will step
forward to join them in creating a policy that is just and humane.

Jon Hain
Madison