MORE READERS RESPOND TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ISSUE

Marijuana Preferable to Taking a Narcotic

After reading a sampling of the letters submitted to the Gazette, I
realize how important that college education I worked so hard for
really has become.

The legalization of marijuana was posed by an economics professor at
Western Michigan University in one of my classes eight years ago. The
instructor asked: "What if marijuana were legalized in the United
States and sold as cigarettes are, on an everyday basis?"

Theoretically, this would provide monumental revenue to the state
which, in turn, would support education, low-income programs, and the
list goes on and on.

This proposal is a chance for Michigan doctors, as I understand it, to
continue to research the cause and effect relationship of medical
marijuana. Personally, I have told my doctors about the negative
effects of prescription drugs such as Vicodin (narcotics) on relieving
my arthritic pain. I am a former college ballplayer and the long-term
effects of strenuous activity and constant practice six and seven days
a week, are beginning to take hold only 15 years later. I would much
rather prefer marijuana to narcotics any day!

I look forward to the vote with confidence that our community will
stand up to provide relief and support to those who need not only
relief for their short-term pain but also for the knowledge that we
can do something for the long-term.

Wendy Sierra

Galesburg