READER CONTROVERSY - FIRED UP

Back in November, Vegetarian Times reported that the National Institutes of
Health (NIH) released an official statement declaring that marijuana may
have "promising" medicinal value for treating symptoms related to AIDS,
epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and cancer. In the statement, the
Maryland-based government agency called for future government funding to
adequately explore the drug's benefits in clinical trials. The proverbial
floodgates were opened.

On the heels of the NIH statement, came the American Medical Association's
policy-making committee with their own two-fold recommendation: First, that
the efficacy of smoked marijuana be subject to study. And second, that
doctors openly discuss medicinal marijuana with patients who would benefit
from it. Are these two conservative organizations leading the way toward the
validation of medicinal marijuana? Should, in fact, the government fund
studies that may lead to legalized medicinal marijuana? The time for public
discussion has clearly come.

In our initial report, we asked for your take on the topic. The hundreds of
responses we received represented every point on the legalization spectrum.
The one constant? All were impassioned. An overwhelming majority held to the
notion that our government cannot turn its back on those in need - even if
help comes in the form of a controlled substance. here's what you had to
say:

62% STRONGLY SUPPORT GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF MEDICINAL MARIJUANA.

"On April 27, 1994, my wife died from the effects of chemotherapy - the
underlying cause, metastatic cancer. She was just 56. After discovering a
lump on her abdomen, we were stunned to learn that she had no chance of
living. She soon become too weak and thin to stand. And then on a warm and
sunny afternoon, I was planting our vegetable garden. My wife was very weak
but wanted to plant a few onion sets - she loved our garden so much. A nurse
friend showed her how to inhale marijuana with a bong. She became so
energized that she came to the garden and planted three rows of onions, her
bare feet caressing the warm soil. I captured those moments with photos. Her
face glowed. I have seen the benefits of marijuana first hand."

"I am completely in favor of the government sponsoring any program that
would enable sick people to avail themselves of this medical treatment. To
withhold this drug is not just cruel, but morally criminal. It is far better
to help one person in this fashion than to worry about the possible misuse
of the drug by people who are not ill."

"A close friend of mine used to have epileptic seizures and was taking
Dilantin, which has side effects of gum disease, skin changes, vertigo,
drowsiness and petite mal seizures. She began using marijuana for medicinal
purposes and has been seizure-free for three years. Yes, the government
should fund research leading to the legalization of medicinal marijuana. It
is a plant that grows naturally on this earth and is here for a reason."

"Research may NOT lead to legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes
or otherwise. But the information gleaned from objective research is useful
either way. It's unclear why the government wouldn't spend the money to fund
a viable alternative therapy."

14% BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FORGO TESTING AND LEGALIZE MEDICINAL
MARIJUANA IMMEDIATELY.

" my father died of cancer three years ago. In my opinion, he should have
been given marijuana to alleviate his nausea. It makes me angry to think we
can't be open-minded enough to realize that people can benefit from
marijuana. These people should have access to marijuana without the stigma
of an illegal substance being attached to their treatment."

"You asked if pot should be legalized for medicinal use. This is a
rhetorical question. if you or your child had a terminal disease and was
racked with pain, you would deserve anything available. But someone mentions
prescribing an herb - naturally grown from Mother earth - and suddenly the
world is offended. By what?"

10% BELIEVE MARIJUANA SHOULD BE LEGALIZED WITH NO FURTHER TESTING FOR BOTH
MEDICINAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.

"Marijuana should be legalized and sold just like alcohol, with the same set
of limitations."

10% ARE OPPOSED TO ANY FORM OF LEGALIZATION.

"I am against the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use. It makes it
too easy for the drug to be used illegally. There are too many other ways
for healing naturally without having to get into drugs that affect your
senses."

4% HOLD THE LIBERTARIAN BELIEF THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NEITHER REGULATE
NOR STUDY MARIJUANA.

"If marijuana has medicinal value, it should be made available, but I am
against financial grants for research and development of marijuana with tax
dollars."

"I submit that the appropriate question is: What right does the government,
or anyone, have to control what a person places in their body?"