LEGAL MARIJUANA SCARES BIG PHARMA

As the state again ponders making pot legal by prescription, the
ghosts of "Reefer Madness" return to persuade the doubtful that THC is
a dangerous, addictive menace and users should be punished like any
other abusers of banned narcotics.

Except that we already allow the doctor-prescribed use of highly
addictive opiates, sedatives and stimulants. Why is this plant- and
the people who can benefit from it's use-being discriminated against?
We condone and support industries that produce and legally sell
addictive drugs such as alcohol and nicotine over the counter. We
allow the American Medical Association and pharmaceutical giants to
distribute narcotics under the counter.

What compels bigotry? Could it be that our legislators are largely
influenced by the powerful lobbies of these industries?

I don't think the prospect of allowing regulated users or small local
farmers to grow a medicinal plant at very low cost sits well with the
pharmaceuticals. It would cut into their bottom line. I wish their
lobbyists could have an intelligent discussion about this as they
treat our lawmakers to cigars and martini's.

Tim Faber, New Glarus