MARIJUANA RESEARCH

Your editorial calling for "more research" to show marijuana is an
effective treatment for many debilitating diseases is right on time -- if
it were published 10 years ago.

Yes, the FDA has dragged its feet on testing. But your position will only
fall on deaf ears.

There is more than plenty anecdotal research, compiled through the years,
that already has caused states to allow medical marijuana -- the latest
being Maryland, under a new Republican governor. Why else do you think
these states have set up their medical programs?

It's because, person after person, case after case, year after year, it's
been found that marijuana is an effective agent in alleviating suffering.
And smoking marijuana is the most effective way for individuals to deliver
the compounds they need, in their particular dosage requirements.

By all means, continue testing. Just don't allow the federal government to
continue to deny access to those in need, with the constant refrain that
"we need more tests." It's time to change marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug
(no legitimate medical use). This step alone would do the most for
legitimate research.

David Holle, Orlando