'DISRESPECT'

I am quite shocked at the irresponsible, intemperate statement (March 5) of
the so-called federal drug czar, Barry McCaffrey, in which he portrayed the
use of medical marijuana as a "crock."

First, let me say that I am 73 years of age. I have never indulged in the
use of any drug at any time. However, I lost my wife to breast cancer about
10 years ago, and had to witness her pain, and especially her nausea which
was caused by the chemotherapy. Any relief in the world would have been
most welcome. I think, contrary to Gen. McCaffrey, that the medical
community had already identified the therapeutic effects of marijuana on
nausea, at least.

I, as a native Californian, must register my displeasure at the attitude
shown by these federal people at the decisions reached by California voters
at the ballot box. It seems only too frequently that our votes are
overridden by federal judges, or are treated with disrespect by
irresponsible federal appointees. Enough already.

Nathan Henderson, Clovis