MORE READERS RESPOND TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUE

Sky Hasn't Fallen in States Where It's Legal

The Kalamazoo Gazette asked for readers' thoughts on allowing
seriously ill Michigan residents to use medical marijuana with their
doctors' recommendation. I am strongly in support of this initiative.

There is a large and growing body of evidence supporting marijuana's
benefits for patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis
and debilitating pain. These are some of the most sick and vulnerable
members of our community, and the notion of threatening them with
arrest and jail for following their doctors' recommendations is
bewildering to me.

There are currently 12 states that have passed medical marijuana
laws, and the sky has not fallen. Five Michigan cities -- Ann Arbor,
Detroit, Ferndale, Flint, and Traverse City -- have already passed
local medical marijuana ordinances, by overwhelming margins in each
case. I believe it's time we provided these sick and suffering
patients with the peace of mind they deserve.

Donald C. Barnes

Niles