THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE

Re "The right to smoke" (Speak Out, Feb. 3):

I'm responding to the outstanding letter about the legalization of
medical marijuana from writer Penny Vaughn of Lineville. I'd like to
add that one of the medications prescribed by my personal physician
for my arthritis pain and inflammation has the rare potential side
effect of death. In other words, if I take this medication as
prescribed, I can die as a result.

For me, marijuana is the more effective medication. Right now, if
adult citizens opt for the safer and more effective medication, they
are subject to arrest and being sent to jail with violent criminals.

Is something wrong with this situation? I think so. Shouldn't adults
have the freedom to choose what goes into their own bodies in the
privacy of their own homes?

Kirk Muse

Mesa, Ariz