EDUCATING LEGISLATORS ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF POT

Regarding Julie Carr Smyth's Oct. 11 story, "1 toke over the line at
hearing?":

Contrary to the article's claims, my best friend and co-author, George
McMahon, actually receives 300 medical cannabis cigarettes each month
from the U.S. government. A recipient of the National Certificate of
Heroism for his participation in the president's drug-awareness
program, George has spent 13 years traveling the nation and world to
educate patients, health-care professionals, legislators and law-
enforcement officials about the medical value of cannabis. George's
federal protocol requires him to smoke 10 government joints each day
to treat severe pain, spasms and nausea related to years of surgical
and pharmaceutical maltreatment.

Many state capitols have graciously provided George a room where he
can discreetly take his medicine, and this cooperation has helped him
avoid long walks and inclement weather. But George has always been
courteous and respectful of the specific requests of state capitol
security officials. George visits capitols to educate legislators, not
to blow cannabis smoke in people's faces.

Though plans for our appearance in Columbus have been delayed, we
still hope to visit your beautiful state in November, and we welcome
the opportunity to enter a dialogue with your public officials,
doctors and patients.

Christopher Largen

Denton, Texas

Largen is co-author of "Prescription Pot: A Leading Advocate's Heroic
Battle to Legalize Medical Marijuana."