MARIJUANA HAS HISTORIC, LEGITIMATE MEDICAL USES

I must take issue with some of the statements made in your paper by Calvina
L. Fay, executive director, Drug Free America Foundation Inc.

Marijuana has a several thousand-year history of medical use. Most
recently, the Institute of Medicine report of 1999 indicates some, though
not all, of the medical uses as well as destroying the "Stepping Stone"
myth about marijuana use. Further, recent studies prove marijuana's
tumor-reduction capabilities, effectiveness in treating spasms,
particularly in multiple sclerosis and Tourette's syndrome.

The War on Some Drugs has been successful only in alienating a large
portion of society and netting those misguided officials such as Rep. Mark
Souder who are lining their pockets with proceeds from the drug war.

The majority of those who support the drug war have a vested interest in
doing so. Fay is among them. A good, honest look at the truth would help
her and Souder.

NEAL SMITH
Indianapolis