OFFICERS NEED TO OBSERVE LAW

Mr. Ryland's letter regarding substance abuse and Mr. Kubby's health
(Journal letters, Jan. 7) shows a distinct lack of compassion and knowledge
of the law.

Over four years ago the voters in this state overwhelmingly approved the
use of medical marijuana for relief of many ailments. The patients using
medical marijuana for relief of various diseases, chronic pain and many
other sicknesses, are not substance abusers and are not breaking the law.

The authorities who are still arresting them and prosecuting them are now
the ones breaking the law.

The patients have recognized that the lies told by our government so many
decades ago were just that =AD lies. The benefits of this herb, lost to so
many during that time, are no longer being lost.

It is once again helping many people cope with a vast array of painful and
life-threatening health problems. That recognition is now written into our
state law. The Kubby trial also put the Oakland guidelines into testimony
in an open court; now those guidelines are also recognized.

In 1996 through the intelligence of its voters, Proposition 215 became
California law. It states very clearly that we may use medical marijuana
with a doctor's recommendation. Several other states have followed suit by
passing their own version of medical marijuana laws.

As for the Kubby jury, I too applaud people with the courage of their
convictions - all 11 of them.

Carol Colburn