END FEDERAL INTERVENTION

Your editorial says it's "hard to blame" feds for intervening against
unregulated medical marijuana dispensaries.

But the feds assert that even the most ethical provider dispensing
medical marijuana to the most suffering patient is no different than a
common drug dealer, so the raids would continue even in a stringently
regulated environment.

Indeed, the DEA raided five dispensaries in West Hollywood, despite
the fact that the city was making a good-faith effort to regulate them.

You dismissed the increased use of medical marijuana as attributable
to "rampant abuse." While there may be people fraudulently obtaining
medical marijuana, scientific research has found widespread efficacy,
including for illnesses that encompass a large patient community (such
as Hepatitis C).

The flier distribution incident you claim proves widespread illicit
use appears to be an isolated incident best handled by local
officials, not armed federal intervention. Indeed, the heavy hand of
the federal government has actually discouraged local regulation of
dispensaries.

You are correct that Proposition 215 should be administered. The best
way to accomplish this is to end federal intervention, not excuse it.

Mark Hughes

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington, D.C.