NATION'S MARIJUANA POLICY IS 'DRACONIAN'

RE: 'Let states and doctors decide," May 11

Thank you so much for Paul Armentano's astute commentary.

It's a refreshing 21st-century contrast to the unrelenting stance of
President George W. Bush's Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The ONDCP, the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 as criminals.

Further, 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.

Please continue repudiating this draconian, "reefer-madness" policy
whenever and however you can.

STEPHEN HEATH

Public Relations Director

Drug Policy Forum of Florida

Clearwater FL