IMMORAL TO DENY SERIOUSLY ILL PATIENTS MARIJUANA RELIEF

In a Feb. 26 Forum letter, Carolyn Hedden argues against the medical use of
marijuana, claiming it's a dangerous drug. She cites a young man who ran
into a school bus while "stoned."

People who cause harm to others while under the influence of any drug must
be held accountable. To raise this in the discussion of a medical issue is
a red herring.

Hedden also says that maybe "someday scientists will isolate the
pain-killing properties of marijuana and make a safe, legal drug." The fact
is that marijuana in pill form is legal and has been for a long time. It's
called Dronabinol and marketed under the brand name Marinol. It can be
prescribed by physicians. It's principally used in the treatment of
glaucoma, the side effects from chemotherapy and as an appetite stimulant
for the chronically ill.

The pill form of the drug has the advantage that it provides a more
accurate way of regulating the dose. Those who argue in favor of smoking
say that results in faster and better relief. According to a recent report
from the Drug Policy Alliance, 11 states have legalized marijuana for
medical purposes. Still, Congress and the federal courts have balked.

The hypocrisy underlying this debate is enormous. The two most dangerous
drugs, both in terms of morbidity and mortality - alcohol and tobacco - are
not only legal but subsidized by our tax dollars. To deny seriously ill
people something which might improve their quality of life is
unconscionable and immoral.

J.D. Wheeler

Peoria