WAR ON POT'S A BIG SCAM

Well, Larry Compton apparently has only a bad attitude to defend his
position against cannabis ("Can't Pot Cure Everything?" March 30).

The truth is that the whole war on pot is a scam and has always been a
scam. Pot (and all other medicines) used to be available right off the
shelf. Pot was once the key ingredient in many tinctures and
palliative medicines. Today we know that pot fights many diseases and
conditions. We also know that the government has buried studies
showing positive benefits of cannabis (including one in 1974 that
demonstrated it has great anti-cancer potential), obstructed research
into positive effects of cannabis and engaged in a seven-decade-long
propaganda war that avoided truth like the plague.

Mr. Crompton, do you know that our federal government -- the same
government that says cannabis has no medical value -- owns the patent
to "Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants," US Patent 6630507?

And did you know that the feds also supply Elvy Musikka her medical
cannabis? Do you know the intricate and demanding process involved in
being approved for the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program
under which she receives that can of 300 prerolled cannabis cigarettes
every month? Elvy (who is a friend of mine) speaks truth to lies.

Larry, you've bought the lie.

Allan Erickson

Eugene