SUPREME COURT DID NOT "STRIKE DOWN" STATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAWS

Thank you for urging Congress to take action to protect medical
marijuana patients ("Doctor or No, Cannabis Is Out," June 7
editorial). However, the Supreme Court did not "strike down" state
laws allowing medical use of marijuana. All the court did was
maintain the status quo: Patients protected under state law are not
free from the possibility of arrest by federal authorities.

However, Congress can change that as soon as this week, when the
House considers the Justice Department's appropriations bill.
Representatives Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) and Dana Rohrabacher
(R-Calif.) will propose an amendment barring federal attacks on
patients in states where medical use of marijuana is legal.

This humane, commonsense proposal deserves immediate passage.

Bruce Mirken

Director of communications

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington, D.C.