WAR ON CANNABIS

I would like to address the front-page article of Nov. 7 regarding
police Chief Mahuna's comments on the lowest law enforcement priority
of marijuana ordinance, that the majority of the voters supported.

I still believe that we are living in a democracy that is meant to be
of, for, and by the people. I further believe that a law enforcement
agency is meant to protect and serve the people. It is clear from Mr.
Mahuna's comments that these ideas may be unclear to him.

We just elected a president who reflects the will of the majority in
this country and, judging by international reaction to the election,
that change is wanted and needed. The majority of the people want
change and any public servant that disregards this does not have the
interest of the people at heart.

The war on drugs has primarily been a war on cannabis users, many of
whom are intelligent, respectable people. If cannabis was truly a
dangerous drug, or provoked or facilitated any crime other than the
"crime" associated with it's use, I could understand the persistence
in attacking the substance. However, extensive research has shown that
this "cannabis stigma" is undeserved.

Our president-elect has said he feels that cannabis use, just like
Demerol and other narcotic drugs, should be under the direction of a
physician. I would strongly recommend to the Police Commission (who
will soon be appointing a new chief of police) to consider the will of
the people.

Cannabis is -- incorrectly -- classified as a Schedule I drug. The
commission that researched the benefits vs. harm of cannabis during
the administration of President Nixon found the drug to be safe. The
primary reason it is illegal is because of the big business interests
of the Bayer Aspirin Co., Dupont and Randolph Hearst.

In my experience in medicine, I can state without reservation that
cigarettes and alcohol are extremely deadly. Anyone who uses these
substances is highly likely to have a short life and suffer greatly
before it is over. Is that a reason to make war on cigarette and
alcohol users as well? Cannabis, on the other hand, has facilitated
healing in many.

I say give our president-elect a chance to address these matters,
before we escalate a war that never should have been waged in the
first place. Let's restore those noble values that were written in the
constitution so long ago -- a government of, by and for the people
that is alive and well.

Yvonne Conner, M.D.

Hilo