A $9 million grant from the federal government was awarded to the
University of California at San Diego's Institute for Medicinal
Cannabis Research (``Scientists to test storied uses of marijuana as
medicine,'' Nov. 25). The marijuana will be supplied by the federal
government to replicate existing findings about marijuana's medical
safety and efficacy.

Texas universities are currently ineligible for these research funds,
because the 1989 Texas statute allowing medical research on marijuana
has never been implemented. Medical marijuana research is forbidden in
Texas. In 1997, Texas' Legislature passed a law forbidding voter
initiatives on medical marijuana in Texas.

Thank goodness Texas universities are not eligible for those medical
research funds. Thank goodness Texas' elected officials removed your
right to vote on medical marijuana.

Otherwise, Texans might appear progressive.

HARVEY GINSBURG,
San Marcos