LET THOSE WHO ARE SICK DECIDE WHAT WORKS

Assemblywoman Mary Pat Angelini's Jan. 19 column, "Medical marijuana
is a dangerous step," uses the worst form of fear mongering combined
with the underlying assumption that individual New Jersey residents
are not responsible enough to choose their own medical care.

Angelini, R-Monmouth, starts her argument by making the brazen claim
that "studies have also demonstrated links between massive marijuana
usage and heart attacks, strokes and abnormalities in the brain."
Obviously, if you consume "massive" amounts of anything, dire
consequences will follow. This holds true for water, alcohol,
tobacco, pharmaceuticals, etc.

Angelini also likes to talk about the "unintended consequences"
associated with allowing sick people to choose their own treatments.
I can see only one consequence of medicinal marijuana: People who are
suffering horribly get relief. My mother has been battling ovarian
cancer for the last seven years and my best friend was diagnosed with
multiple sclerosis when she was 20 years old. When my mother is so
nauseous she can't hold down food for days or my friend can't feel
her legs for two weeks, is smoking marijuana for temporary relief so
dangerous?

I've seen many people under the influence of approved drugs such as
Oxycontin, Percocet, etc., and their behavior is subhuman, but
Angelini implies that because they are approved by the Food and Drug
Administration, they must not be dangerous. How can anyone who isn't
suffering from a painful or fatal illness decide for the sick what
they should and should not use for relief?

Leigh Scott

Egg Harbor Township