'RIGHT' TO MARIJUANA

As the millennium draws nearer, we can't help but think about the upcoming
election and the many propositions that come before the voters every year.

Since 1996, Proposition 215, the proposition that permits marijuana use for
medicinal purposes, has continued to benefit AIDS and cancer patients with
no negative side effects reported. Unlike drugs and substances that are
already legal, marijuana has never been the cause of death.

The benefits of marijuana should be acknowledged. For example, it could
save millions of dollars that are used each year to keep marijuana
offenders incarcerated. It could be sold at prices similar to tobacco and
taxed by the government.

If a responsible person wants to purchase a firearm all they have to do is
go to a store and do so. A responsible marijuana user deserves the same
rights. I hope to see a new proposition in the 2000 election that gives the
American people back their right to freely enjoy a safe ancient herb.

Bryan Benavidez, Fresno