MARIJUANA IS A GATEWAY DRUG

I do not understand why The Sun is not featuring any of the experts (many
available right here in Baltimore) who have worked in the field of
addictions and have valuable experience and information about the negative
consequences of legalizing marijuana, which is a well-known "gateway" drug
and ripe for black market enterprise despite suggested constraints ("Md.
fights through haze over medical marijuana," Jan. 31).

There are many serious drawbacks to legalization. I feel the following
questions are valid and need to be explored before the legislature
approves such a bill. Aren't drugs supposed to be sent to the FDA for
testing and approval? Why would marijuana be exempt from this process? You
do mention that quite a few doctors disagree whether marijuana is even
helpful for their patients. What experts in the medical field have come up
with conditions and illnesses for which marijuana is a truly valid drug
treatment? Who is the lobby for this movement, as Dr. Kevin Cullen asks in
your article on Jan. 31?

I suggest a full investigative report on the issues I have mentioned above
would enlighten us all. It would help to balance the field in this
critical decision-making process.

Ingrid Castronovo