PUT DRUG AGENCY IN CHARGE OF DISTRIBUTING MARIJUANA

After reading about the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court hearing regarding the
medical use of marijuana, as passed by voters in nine states, including
Colorado, I have these observations and thoughts. The issue at hand is
whether the "medical necessity" of marijuana supercedes the strict federal
interpretation of it being an illegal drug.

The Drug Enforcement Agency classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, and
as such likely has a supply of it for purposes intended for whatever
Schedule I drugs are used for. It is hard to say whether any medical
condition necessitates the use of marijuana, but its use could be medically
reasonable, appropriate and effective for certain conditions that are
unresponsive to more conventional treatments. Therefore, if a physician in
Colorado places a patient on the "registry" authorizing its use, based on
the criteria stated above (and by law), the DEA itself could regulate
and/or supply the drug so as to eliminate concerns over those who are
currently attempting to supply it (thus breaking the law).

J. Matthew Dietz, Denver