DRUG WARRIORS RUNNING OUT OF EXCUSES

Regarding your June 8 editorial, patients with the option of legally
obtaining marijuana under a doctor's recommendation don't rely on the black
market. If the federal government decides to focus federal law enforcement
resources on busting voter-approved medical marijuana suppliers, desperate
patients will turn to street dealers for their medicine.

The U.S. Supreme Court effectively confirmed organized crime's monopoly on
marijuana distribution with its June 6 decision. International drug cartels
are no doubt thrilled.

It's now up to Congress to decide whether or not to maintain the status quo.

Despite overwhelming public support for medical marijuana, many politicians
remain fearful of drug policy reform. Far too much political capital has
been invested in the war on some drugs. Tough-on-drugs politicians have
built careers on confusing drug prohibition's collateral damage with a
relatively harmless plant.

I only hope the prospect of federal agents arresting cancer and AIDS
patients inspires Congress to enact compassionate-use legislation.

"Reefer Madness" is a poor excuse for criminalizing healthy citizens who
prefer marijuana to martinis. There is no excuse for prosecuting sick
patients desperate to ease their suffering.

ROBERT SHARPE, MPA

Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington, D.C.