LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

This letter is in response to the middle school student in Highland
accused of selling marijuana and the New Paltz teacher accused of
getting her student to buy marijuana for her. These are two stark
examples of how in an illegal marketplace, kids can have better
access to drugs than adults.

Not to excuse the teacher's negligent actions, but it is sad to see
someone in so much pain and fear be driven to such desperate measures
for medicine. She reports she did it out of desperation because she
was in so much pain from an immune disorder. Marijuana is a safe and
effective medicine for many patients, including its use in pain management.

It is also sad to know that it is easier for a 13- and 14-year-old (
our children ) to get marijuana than an adult. Every time a
politician tries to justify the war on drugs, they claim it is about
protecting the children, and "sending the right message." But it is
impossible to keep un-regulated ( illegal ) drugs out of the hands of
kids. These are just two local examples.

Ulster County District Attorney Don Williams was asked if the case
should be dismissed in the interest of justice. His reply was: "That
would be inappropriate. That would most definitely send entirely the
wrong message."

But an illegal drug marketplace does not ask for ID, listen to
messages nor have any safety measures in place. What message does
all of this send? Will her medical need even be considered in her defense?

Enough is enough. If we really want to protect our children and be a
truly free and compassionate society, we need to allow for medical
marijuana immediately then re-examine our current marijuana policies.
Lets not say we can't because of the children, let's do it for the
children. We owe it to them!

Robert Robinson

Executive Director, NY NORML ( The New York State Chapter of The
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws )

New Paltz