SUPPORT LEGAL ACCESS TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The common sense expressed in your June 11 editorial, "Where is the
compassion," is a real breath of fresh air. It's a refreshing
21st-century contrast to the unrelenting stance of President George
Bush's Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The ONDCP, the Drug Enforcement Adminstration, and federal Drug Czar
John Walters insist that marijuana is of the same medical value as
heroin.

By leaving marijuana in Schedule 1 (illegal to prescribe or possess
for any reason), they define all patients who use it to be criminals.

Mr. Walters and the DEA believe that patients who legally use
marijuana with a doctor's recommendation in the 11 states with such
legal access should be subject to arrest, prosecution, and time in
federal prison.

We extend a friendly cross-country plea to Ohioans to contact their
federal representatives and ask that they abandon support for the
ONDCP's 19th-century thinking. Support the bipartisan efforts to
increase medical freedom and patients' rights.

STEPHEN HEATH

Drug Policy Forum of Florida