FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

I agree with the letter, "Doctors are not reckless" (Your Views, Feb. 10).

This is why I support medical cannabis in Illinois: because we trust
our doctors. They are state-licensed and regulated, and if found in
violation of the codes of their practice, they are punished accordingly.

I also trust them to decide what medicine is best for treating a patient.

Unfortunately, though, doctors in Illinois are prevented from
recommending cannabis for treating patients.

This is not the case in the 14 states and soon in Washington, D.C.,
where working medical cannabis programs provide safe and legal access
to patients.

Patients in those states have one more option available for combating
their medical condition. Patients in Illinois are not only denied
that medical option, they are also considered criminals in the eye of the law.

Cruel and inhumane are words that come to mind when considering that,
in Illinois, medical cannabis patients are punished for seeking relief.

Medical cannabis can save lives, but we need lawmakers to do the
right thing and pass Senate Bill 1381.

- -- Dan Linn, Sycamore