FOR PATIENTS, IT'S NO LAUGHING MATTER

In "Gone to Pot" (April 20, "g"), Alex Beam takes a light-hearted
approach to examining the current state of marijuana reform in the
region.

He jokes about "weed people," and even makes a sarcastic comment
about the medical marijuana program in California. Readers should be
aware that for patients with terminal illnesses like cancer or Lou
Gehrig's Disease, or serious conditions such as chronic pain or HIV,
there is nothing funny about marijuana policy reform.

Many writers find it difficult to report on marijuana issues without
resorting to sensationalizing "stoner culture," but unfortunately
such articles rarely acknowledge the seriousness of medical marijuana
reform.

While the Extravaganja was being celebrated in Amherst, countless
medical marijuana patients and advocates chose instead to attend the
Patients Out of Time conference held in Warwick, Rhode Island. Doctors
and scientists came from around the world to participate in the event,
which included two days of presentations on the latest science about
how marijuana can be used therapeutically.

Matthew Allen

Boston

The writer is the organizer for the Massachusetts Patient Advocacy
Alliance.