MEDICAL MARIJUANA IS 'INSIDIOUS LIE'

Montanans made a grave, uninformed error when they voted to pass I-148,
which allows for the "medicinal use" of marijuana by anyone who claims to
have a need for it. Ironically, the same voters also passed a measure to
increase taxes on tobacco products, because we all know the health risks
associated with tobacco use.

Legalization proponents (most from outside Montana) preyed upon the
compassionate nature of Montana's citizens, and deceived the voters to
believe that the goal of the initiative was to keep law enforcement from
imprisoning people who use marijuana as "medicine." No legitimate physician
in the United States would ever recommend that a patient should smoke (or
chew) tobacco, much less recommend anyone to smoke marijuana.

Marijuana has all of the dangerous properties of tobacco and increases the
risks of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, weakens a person's immune
system and inhibits a person's judgment, memory and ability to learn.
Marijuana is a powerful, mind-altering drug, and it is a major factor in
the increase in crime in our communities.

Did the voters consider that workers will be allowed to smoke their
"medicine" during breaks, and people who "need" it may be responsible for
our children in daycares and schools? When can a "patient" safely operate a
vehicle after smoking his "medicine?" At what age should children use
marijuana for "medical" reasons?

Montana has welcomed many problems and will suffer for believing an
insidious lie.

Dan Dunlap, Billings