GOVERNMENT CAN'T REGULATE WHAT IT CAN'T SEE

Thank you for your editorial denunciation of the federal policies which
support the arrest and prosecution of medical marijuana patients ("States'
rights go up in smoke," June 10).

If our Supreme Court does not have the courage to do something about the
federal assault on states' medical marijuana laws, then it's up to
Congress. Patients and doctors have been trying to get Washington to
listen. Their cries fall on ears clogged by ardent drug-warrior propaganda.

The federal government told the Supreme Court that its prevailing interest
in maintaining criminal prohibition of medical marijuana is its desire to
regulate interstate commerce. Yet, after the ruling, there is absolutely no
regulation taking place. Medical marijuana will remain a
multimillion-dollar industry. The distributors and consumers will remain
secret and, for the most part, unknown to federal agents.

How is it possible to regulate an industry that is conducted almost
completely in secret?

STEPHEN HEATH

Public Relations Director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater, Fla.