LEGALIZE POT

The article "Pot of gold or pipe dream?" (along with its title
harkening back to the age of "Reefer Madness") sensationalizes medical
cannabis and ignores the overwhelming scientific evidence that
cannabis is safe and therapeutic for treating symptoms of several
chronic and debilitating medical conditions. Pointing out limitations
in the research into whether cannabis helps the underlying conditions
disregards the reason why sick and dying patients wish to use
cannabis. The article also disregards why there have not been more
controlled clinical studies: The federal government has maintained
cannabis as a Schedule I drug (a category reserved for the most
dangerous and useless drugs), which may not be prescribed or used,
contrary to several findings that marijuana is safe and
therapeutic.

I hope our representatives will put aside half-baked arguments, blind
ideology and perceived political fears, and legalize marijuana.

Eric P. Berlin, Oak Park