COURT'S DECISION 'OUTRAGEOUS'

The Supreme Court's decision to allow the federal government to regulate
small quantities of homegrown marijuana under the recommendation of a
doctor is outrageous. Marijuana is by far a more effective remedy to
alleviate pain in those with chronic illness than any over-the-counter or
prescription pill.

With all the drugs being pulled off the market lately, marijuana also looks
to be the safest. Every month, Americans can pick up a newspaper and read
about the latest wonder drug that has been pulled from the shelves because
those who take it have been dying. With all these drugs being pulled off
the shelves, our director of national drug control policy seems to think we
have the highest standards in the world for determining the safety of
medication.

Numerous tests show that the consumption of alcohol poses more of a risk to
our health than cannabis, and we are all well aware of the hazards of
cigarettes, yet they can be purchased at any neighborhood grocery store.

Marijuana is not a gateway drug, and scientists continue to find ways that
the cannabis plant can benefit our health. The fact is, marijuana is very
socially acceptable nowadays and easier to purchase than alcohol is for a
minor. It's also much more cost effective compared to the price of most
pain medication.

The Court's decision does not mark the end of medical marijuana as a
political issue.

MATTHEW KERR

Louisville 40205