DON'T BE FOOLED BY POT MEASURE

I share Michelle Wilson's concern for people suffering from cancer,
glaucoma and other debilitating diseases (Letters, Oct. 15). I am pleased
that in the past 10 years, a broad spectrum of drugs has been developed to
successfully treat the nausea associated with chemotherapy. There is even a
synthetic THC, Marinol, that was approved by the FDA in 1985 for use as an
anti-nausea agent for cancer chemotherapy patients. In 1992, it was
approved as an appetite stimulant for AIDS patients. Marinol can be
prescribed by doctors and used by patients under close medical supervision.

Don't be deceived. Ballot Measure No. 8 is not about compassion for the
sick and dying. It is about legalizing marijuana. A simple recommendation
from a doctor, not prescription, will allow your neighbors and mine to
grow, possess and use marijuana to treat any disease that produces severe
pain, severe nausea, seizures or muscle spasms (see Page 135 of the state
of Alaska's Official Election Pamphlet).

Minors will be allowed to use marijuana with the consent of a parent or
legal guardian. Are you willing to tell our young people that marijuana is
legal, it's safe and it's medicine? Are you willing to legalize marijuana?
I'm not. That's why I am voting no on Ballot Measure No. 8.

- - Alyce Hanley
Anchorage

Checked-by: Richard Lake