PUSHING PATIENTS TO USE DRUG DEALERS?

If health outcomes instead of cultural norms determined drug laws,
marijuana would be legal ("From the ground up," editorial, Dec. 1).

Unlike alcohol, marijuana has never been shown to cause an overdose
death, nor does it share the addictive properties of tobacco.
Marijuana can be harmful if it is abused, but jail cells are
inappropriate as health interventions and ineffective as deterrents.

By raiding voter-approved medical marijuana providers in California,
the same Drug Enforcement Administration that claims illicit drug use
funds terrorism is forcing cancer and AIDS patients into the hands of
street dealers.

Apparently, marijuana prohibition is more important than protecting
the country from terrorism.

Robert Sharpe

Washington

The writer is a policy analyst for Common Sense for Drug Policy.