RELIEVE SUFFERING WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In reference to The Times' editorial "A safe prescription for marijuana
use" (Dec. 18), I applaud the six state senators on the Health Committee
who voted in favor of the bill to legalize marijuana for medical use in New
Jersey.

I also applaud The Times' endorsement. My wife and I have been advocates of
the bill from its inception in 2004, and we are encouraged that it is
gaining some traction.

While opponents of the bill continue their tired arguments against medical
marijuana, is it a coincidence that none of those vocal critics have
medical backgrounds and that some have financial interests in keeping it
illegal?

It's time to admit that marijuana is a medicine and should be legally
available to the seriously ill people who need it. Most state residents,
and now most state lawmakers, realize that.

DON McGRATH, Robbinsville