49 YOUNG MARIJUANA PLANTS AS A "FOREST"

Editor, The Times:

The Times writer twice referred to patient David Means' 49 young
marijuana plants as a "forest."

I know Washington state is being clear-cut to oblivion, but this is a
bit of a stretch. I will, however, give the author credit for
refraining from slanted and hackneyed innuendo like "high hopes,"
"hashing it out," etc., that only serve to keep the focus off the
cruelty and piracy of the police and off our antiquated marijuana laws
in general ("Marijuana law trips up patients and police," June 14).

Leo Poort, Seattle Police Department legal adviser, said the public
expects vigorous enforcement, investigation and seizure of drugs from
citizens who "totally push the envelope and go beyond what the law
allows."

Mr. Poort, the public also expects police to act with discretion,
compassion and responsibility. If our police force has the time and
resources to devote to investigating and destroying the lives of
nonviolent medical patients, then it is time to dramatically reduce
our police-department funding.

Kevin Nelson,
Bow