GOVERNMENT CLOSE-MINDED

The article about the debate in courts over medical marijuana
(Register-Guard, Aug. 5) was very troubling.

At issue is the ability of doctors to medicate their patients. The
government has decided to prescribe certain medication, even though it has
been proven time and again to be effective and safe. Officials' mindless
adherence to a simplistic and erroneous policy shows a complete disdain for
the well-being of citizens.

I have followed this and other debates over marijuana, and read many
articles written for and against its use. It appears that only the
government can find any reason to condemn it.

Study after study by qualified professionals finds it to be less harmful
than alcohol or even tobacco, yet the policy remains the same.

The article states that Congress and the Food and Drug Administration have
"found the drug to be unsafe." Bill Bennett, President Reagan's "drug
czar," rejected a study initiated by his office and Congress because the
study didn't find any long-term, adverse consequences to its use. He
subsequently told the panel to try again and come back with the conclusions
he was looking for.

The use of marijuana does not cause death, yet the FDA continues to put
drugs on the market that do.

I am appalled that our so-called democratic government will refuse a
citizen his or her right to seek amelioration of suffering in the name of
the status quo.