POT MADE ILLNESS BEARABLE

In response to Larry Crompton's extremely demeaning letter regarding
the use of medical marijuana for their pain and suffering (May 22):

I was brought into this world by a violent, abusive, alcoholic prize
fighter and learned early on the meaning of pain and suffering.

Eventually my mother divorced and married the most generous,
God-fearing man ever put on this earth, who provided her with far too
few years of comfort, care and love.

Then came esophageal cancer. It became almost impossible to eat, sleep
or even come close to a normal life. Fifty pounds lost, no strength
and no reason to live.

Then, 40 years ago, his doctor provided and continued providing
marijuana. After years of unbearable suffering, within three months my
stepfather had a voice box fitted, was able to eat, sleep and speak,
take a cruise with my mother and, best of all, smile widely as he
pulled out into the street with is pride and joy, a 1964 Chevy Camaro,
and take a drive to his doctor.

Gary Haynes

Albany (May 24)