ADDICTION EXPERT

Elmwood Park -- This is regarding "Medical marijuana and its witless
enemies; Anti-drug advocates continue to ignore credible science"
(Commentary, Feb. 29), which disparaged Andrea Barthwell, deputy
director of the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy.

Barthwell (whom I know personally) is a compassionate doctor and
should be applauded for her lifelong commitment to addiction medicine.
While some may disagree with her conclusions, it is irresponsible to
describe this nationally recognized addiction expert as an "anti-drug
[advocate continuing] to ignore credible science," as the headline
does.

Peter J. Panton, MD