OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

Apparently, congressman Dennis Cardoza is even more out of touch than
we thought.

Cardoza's spokesman said, "Like most Americans ... Congressman Cardoza
does not believe the use of marijuana for 'medicinal' purposes should
be legal."

We're not sure what planet Mr. Cardoza inhabits, but here on Earth,
support for medical marijuana is overwhelming.

A national CNN/Time poll taken in October 2002 found 80 percent public
support for allowing adults to legally use marijuana for medical
purposes. This January, a California Field poll found 74 percent
support -- a sharp increase from the 56 percent who voted for
Proposition 215 in 1996.

Both of these polls -- and many others showing strong public support
for medical marijuana -- have been widely publicized. Perhaps Rep.
Cardoza just doesn't care what his constituents think.

Bruce Mirken Director of Communications Marijuana Policy Project

San Francisco