Website: http://www.auburnjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/530
Author: Allan Erickson
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n196/a10.html

RESPONSIBLE USE IS KEY FOR ANY SUBSTANCE

Travis Bailey, in his letter, Pot gives a high, but it won't save a
life, Your Views, Feb. 10, levels some heavy criticism at cannabis
consumers and advocates for Steve Kubby.

Bailey says, "What's wrong with Marinol anyway? It was engineered to
provide all the benefits of pot with the nasty side effects of getting
high."

The attitude displayed by Mr. Bailey, that an "engineered" and
synthetic based medicine is superior to the whole plant (constructed
in nature's laboratory), is laughable.

The human body has cannabinoid receptors at the cellular level. The
human community has been consuming cannabis as medicine, as a
religious euphoric and as a nutritious food for thousands of years.
Our use of this plant historically outdistances its prohibition 100
fold and you might say we're "grandfathered in."

As with responsible, moderate consumption of alcohol, a proper respect
for any consumed substance is essential to responsible use. I submit
to Mr. Bailey that the same goes for his fellow citizens - respect for
others is essential to effective communication. Having compassion
deepens understanding.

Allan Erickson

Eugene, Ore.