MISINFORMED CLAIMS

Two Oct. 11 letters to the editor were misinformed. One stated that
Marinol contains all the ingredients of marijuana and is legal, then
ignorantly dismissed his opposition as "druggies," a cheap shot that
only serves to avoid real discussion. In truth, Marinol contains only
a synthetic form of THC, but none of the other dozens of cannabinoids
that are also a part of the medicinal effect.

Another letter stated that we don't allow people to use medicine that
hasn't passed the FDA. However, herbal medicines -- which medicinal
marijuana would be -- are not FDA regulated; only synthetic medicines
are. Many herbs can be grown in your own garden, as people have done
for millennia; examples would include echinacea, mullein and St.
John's wort. A plant in its natural state is an herb, not a drug;
drugs are chemically produced in labs and usually have terrible side effects.

The letter writer also stated that we don't want people taking such
things into their own hands. Why not? Most doctors probably wish
their patients would play a more active role in taking care of
themselves. In fact, to think that our health is the business only of
"professionals" takes all the power out of our own hands. Our health
is our right and our responsibility.

Brandon McGinnity

Royal Oak