DRUG USE AND MISUSE

"The Doobie Mothers" and Leading Question: Robert MacCoun, Nov. 16, 1997

I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one to appreciate the ironic juxtaposition
of articles about "drugs" in the Nov. 16 West. I laughed along with Mary
Patric's description of her experience with elders' use of medicinal
marijuana ("Doobie Mothers"), but I know the issue of drug policy deserves
the serious attention that UCBerkeley Professor Robert MacCoun and others
are encouraging policymakers to give it.

As Californians, we may be more laid back than other Americans talking
about our past and present marijuana use. However, people should realize
that despite the passage of Prop. 215, medical marijuana users and
caregivers are still being arrested and imprisoned. In Merced, Mike Oshorn
faces thirteen years in prison for growing marijuana for seven AIDS and
cancer patients.

The marijuana debate is just part of the larger discussion of drug policy
that people should take part in. The forty members of the Federation of
American Scientists who signed the "Principles for Practical Drug Policies"
have done their part to start such a dialogue. Now, it's our turn to let
politicians know that voters want an open, honest forum and that public
officials are doing their jobs when they consider alternatives to the "drug
war."

Jane Marcus
Palo Alto