OFFICIAL MISSES POINT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

To the editor:

State Senator-elect Victor Calla han wants there to be a consensus before
backing legislation? (The Examiner Oct. 31, "Picking up the medical
marijuana torch?") When your government threatens to throw you in jail for
trying to help patients, how can there be a consensus?

The war against medical marijuana isn't about protecting patients. It's
about ignorance and politics. There is no question that these cannabinoids
have medicinal value. Why else would pharmaceutical companies be scrambling
to create synthetic versions of them?

We are now getting reports of studies from several nations, including our
own, confirming the successful use of cannabinoids to treat muscular
sclerosis, epilepsy and other sicknesses. Other nations are distributing
cannabis and cannabis-based medications via prescription to those who
benefit from its use. In America we incarcerate those who try to alleviate
their pain and suffering by using cannabis.

Humans were meant to use this natural medicine, and our government will one
day be held accountable for prosecuting sick and dying Americans.

Scott Russ

Baton Rouge, La.