MARIJUANA PROHIBITION

In the editorial "Marijuana as medicine" (Inquirer, April 10), you
acknowledge that marijuana is not addictive, dangerous or a gateway drug.
Given this, it's clear that there is no legitimate basis for marijuana
prohibition. But you reject the notion that marijuana should be legalized
simply for the purpose of getting high.

According to the latest edition of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's
Uniform Crime Report, federal, state and local law enforcement arrested
nearly 700,000 Americans on marijuana charges during 1997. FBI data indicate
that 87 percent of marijuana arrests are for "possession" only. The figures
for 1998 are expected to be even higher.

The continuing legal persecution of Americans who use marijuana is an
injustice - an injustice you apparently support.

Walter F. Wouk, President
Capital Region Chapter
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Cobleskill, N.Y.
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