LIES PERPETUATED

Dear Editor:

Re: Deputy Sheriff Macias Letter "Poor Excuse for Pot"

Sheriff Macias' letter highlights the pervasive ignorance running amok
among Ventura County Sheriff employees.

As a Ventura County narcotics officer, Macias has been trained by
Federally funded CNOA (California Narcotics Officers Association)
which clearly rejects any published scientific studies proving the
efficacy of cannabis medication. CNOA's position paper (available at
cnoa.org) perpetuates the lies and propaganda demonizing marijuana,
has been adopted by sheriff Bob Brooks and his employees. Ventura
County Sheriff should rely on POST (California's Peace Officers
Standards & Training) for a more accurate information and training
materials.

With the ongoing budget problems we are facing here in Ventura County,
the Sheriff needs to spend narcotics funds on narcotics enforcement
rather than the persecution and prosecution of sick people.

Lisa Cordova Schwarz

Camarillo