DOES MARIJUANA CURE?

Mr. Canzoneri claims that in order for medication to be classified as
"medicine," the substance must "cure" something. This is false. There
are many medications out there-hydrocodone, ibuprofen, aspirin-that
do not cure anything, but simply decrease pain or suppress or reduce
symptoms of disease.

Furthermore, just because the FDA failed to endorse the use of this
medication does not prove anything. History is bereft with failures
of the FDA to properly regulate medications and food for use in our country.

Medical marijuana has a legitimate medical use. It is possible that
there may be criminal activity associated with medical-marijuana
gardens, but as marijuana is legalized, the criminal element will
fade. Again, look to our history and see the violence that was
associated with Prohibition.

The time has come to legalize marijuana and stop wasting valuable and
dwindling government funds on the war against marijuana. Regulate it,
tax it, and use the proceeds to help pay for important services like
education and universal health care.

Matthew C. Bently J.D.

Chico