MEDICAL MARIJUANA WRONG Rx

If we are to debate medical marijuana, let us first be honest and
separate opinions from facts.

The Daily Bulletin's June 21 editorial states, "If Claremont's leaders
have the guts and the smarts to adopt an ordinance that allows
patients with true medical need to obtain legal marijuana ... more
power to them. Frankly, we're willing to risk it, if it might mean
some relief - and some more precious time - for Leo and others who
need it."

So I ask, to what extent are you willing to risk it?

According to the University of Michigan's 2006 Monitoring the Future
study, 12 percent of eighth-graders, 25 percent of 10th-graders and 32
percent of 12th-graders reported use of marijuana. Also consider that
more teens are in treatment for marijuana use than for any other drug,
including alcohol.

The campaign to legitimize what is called "medical" marijuana is based
on two propositions: that science views marijuana as medicine and that
the federal government targets the sick and dying people who use it.

of marijuana, not the sick and dying.

Marijuana contains more than 400 chemicals, including most of the
harmful substances found in tobacco smoke. Marijuana smoke contains 50
to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke,
according to research.

Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health indicate that
five marijuana joints smoked per week contain the equivalent amounts
of cancer-causing agents as 140 tobacco cigarettes. Hardly the miracle
drug of the 21st century for cancer patients.

No state has legalized the trafficking of marijuana, including the 12
states that have decriminalized certain marijuana use. Marijuana
dispensaries engage in the trafficking of marijuana.

Proponents of medical marijuana proclaim to be advocates for suffering
patients. But beware of hidden agendas.

According to the Web site of the Marijuana Policy Project, a group
that supports medical marijuana, "MPP pursues its work along two
parallel tracks - making marijuana medically available to patients in
need, and taxing and regulating marijuana for general adult use."

Neither the Food and Drug Administration, the American Medical
Association nor the Supreme Court has recognized the use of smoked
marijuana as medicine.

Also, it is the policy of the AMA, that marijuana be retained in
Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act pending further study.

I do not intend in any way to pass judgment on Leo Green or his
family. My sincere hope for Leo and his family is that every minute of
every day be filled with as much comfort, joy and love as is humanly
possible in what I know is truly the most trying time in life.

However, regarding medical marijuana, I believe it is a narrow view to
consider the policies related to illicit drugs be considered as a
local option.

The social implications of drug abuse are well documented and
far-reaching. Any effort to modify policy on controlled substances
should be considered accordingly, and the welfare of our nation as a
whole should be taken into great consideration.

The truth is that courage extends far beyond the walls of Claremont
City Hall. In regard to drugs it should extend into every home, onto
every school campus, and into the work place from sea to shining sea.

The future lies at the feet of our children. It is our responsibility
to pave a path before them that at the end delivers the American Dream
to all.

You state that in regard to medical marijuana you are willing to risk
it. Our children will inherit not only our successes but also our
failures. The medical marijuana initiative, Proposition 215, is too
great of a risk.

Proposition 215 provides no age restrictions, no limits to quantities
of marijuana and in the end does not even require the possession of a
medical-use card or a visit to the doctor's office.

It has virtually legalized the use of marijuana in our state and sends
a failed message to our children.

- - Ed Hills is a father and a resident of Rancho Cucamonga.