Patients everywhere use marijuana to raise their quality of life. I am 53
years old and use cannabis therapy for arthritis. My friend is 47 and uses
it for Ehlors-Danlos Syndrome. The Clinton administration has labeled us a
hoax, a Cheech and Chong movie, and worst of all, criminals.

We, the patients, know better than any politician what makes us feel
better. We've studied the history and know the plant is beneficial. We've
tested the medicine and found it to be gentle, effective, and safe. Our
grandparents knew it and our grandchildren will know it, because the truth
doesn't go away.

We have written our legislators, sent them information, called them at our
own expense and even went to their offices. They have ignored us, lied to
us, patronized us and refused to help us.

The political rhetoric has turned our countrymen against us and taken our
jobs. Current policies allow them to enjoy [sic] our property, eavesdrop
on us, put us in jail and threaten our doctors.

They have ignored the people's will, even when we are allowed to vote on
marijuana; even when we make it clear that we have the right to use this
herb if it helps our medical condition. The federal government still says no!
This has become intolerable. Whenever compassion and common sense are in
conflict with the law, then the law is wrong. It is the duty of the people
to change laws that hurt more than help.

People are in pain, patients are going to jail, and corruption is running
rampant because of immoral and unworkable policies.

We fully believe that God created this plant as a gift -- a blessing we
have the inalienable right to use. Based on history, research, experience,
and truth, WE ARE NOT CRIMINALS.

Kay Lee
Mondovi, WI