THE DEA'S SMOKESCREEN

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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency won't let Lyle E. Craker grow marijuana in
his University of Massachusetts laboratory for a federally approved
research project because it is against the law to smoke marijuana.

Huh? This is a smokescreen by one federal agency to obstruct legitimate
scientific research that will help determine the risks and benefits of
marijuana as a prescription medicine.

Craker, as director of the Medicinal Plant Program at the University of
Massachusetts-Amherst, is qualified to conduct the research, which has been
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The DEA objects because it cannot allow smoking to be the "permitted
delivery system" for marijuana as a potential medication.

Craker should appeal the decision. For those living with the pain and
nausea associated with cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other serious
illnesses who might benefit with marijuana as a prescription drug, we wish
him success.