JURY RECOGNIZE NEED

(Re: News article, "Man acquitted in pot case," March 28.)

Tim Stevens is fortunate that a jury recognized his legitimate
medical need for marijuana, which is well documented in scientific
studies to relieve nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms - often when
conventional drugs fail. But patients like him should not have to
depend on luck and an open-minded jury.

Recently, the 124,000-member American College of Physicians cited a
"clear discord" between current laws and the scientific consensus
regarding marijuana's value as a medicine, and strongly called for
legal protection for patients who need medical marijuana. It's time
for legislators - on the state and federal levels - to put aside old
misconceptions and prejudices and enact clear protection for patients
whose lives and well-being depend on medical use of marijuana.

Bruce Mirken

Communications Director

Marijuana Policy Project

San Francisco