RX FOR MARIJUANA

Thank you for your editorial, "Accommodating legal pot" (Dec. 20). We both
agree that medical marijuana and any potentially sedating drug raise
concerns in the workplace if used improperly.

Many good employees require potentially sedating but important medicines
such as blood pressure medicine, opioids, antidepressants, insulin or
medical marijuana.

Urine testing does not test for marijuana-caused impairment at work. It
only means marijuana was used in the past few days or weeks. Instead of
federally mandated urine testing for a "drug-free workplace," employers and
employees should together seek an "impairment-free workplace."

If Oregon congressional representatives would initiate efforts to
reschedule marijuana so doctors could prescribe it, many concerns could be
resolved.

RICHARD BAYER, M.D. Southwest Portland