MARIJUANA NOT A VILE ALTERNATIVE TO SUFFERING

In Ben Erwin's June 5 column decrying the possibility of legalizing
medical marijuana in Illinois, he describes marijuana as "vile and
dangerous." He also warns of an "unimaginable cocktail" of drugs in the future.

In a 2007 drug handbook I found about 300 drugs listed under the
letter A alone. Is there not already an "unimaginable cocktail" of drugs?

Erwin mentions Oxycontin with adverse reactions including dizziness,
nausea and physical dependence and Clopra, with side effects
including fever, depression, bowel disorders and nausea. Clopra is
incompatible with 15 substances including sodium bicarbonate.

Are there any readers who have not heard of or experienced a
misdiagnosis or wrongful use of a legal drug by a qualified medical
practitioner or have been given a drug that proved ineffective?

Is there anyone who does not know that young people often abuse legal
drugs obtained from family and friends, and that alcohol can be a gateway drug?

Because of the above and the prohibitive cost of legal drugs, even
when safe, effective and responsibly prescribed and used, I feel
Erwin is unduly disturbed about marijuana use and not concerned
enough about the problems associated with drug use.

Janice Rogers

Joliet