VACATIONER: GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE POT HOLIDAY

Marijuana doesn't cure anything ["Pot for patients," TCP Oct. 30- Nov. 5]?
Well, what does Prozac cure? Or Tegretol for seizures? The war against
medical marijuana isn't about protecting patients. It's about ignorance and
politics. The Drug Enforcement Administration would have Americans believe
medical marijuana is a cruel hoax or myth. There are more than 60
cannabinoids found in marijuana. There is no question these cannabinoids
have medicinal value.

Why else would pharmaceutical companies be scrambling to create synthetic
versions of them? Smoking marijuana isn't the only way it can be ingested.
Patients can vaporize it, make tinctures or use it in teas and food items.
So the harmful effects of smoking are no excuse for our government's
actions.

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.

It's no coincidence that our brain is filled with cannabinoid receptors.
Humans were meant to use this natural medicine and our government will one
day be held accountable for prosecuting sick and dying Americans.

Americans should demand that our government ends this insanity at once and
remove cannabis from the list of Schedule I substances.

Scott Russ, Ohio vacationer . Baton Rouge, La.