WORTH CHANGING MARIJUANA LAWS

Re: 'Highs, lows for Weed Bill,' (June 14): Deemed an opiate by the
Harrison Narcotics Act of 1914, marijuana is an illegal and
controlled substance.

However, this stigma attached to marijuana undermines the fact that
the drug has many beneficial, medical qualities. It has been proven
to increase the appetite and prevent the weight loss commonly
associated with AIDS patients.

It has also reduced symptoms of nausea in cancer patients undergoing
chemotherapy as well as treated pains and muscle spasms experienced
by patients suffering from multiple sclerosis.

Many medical experts agree that marijuana could even be used to treat
or cure other diseases, but research on the subject has unfortunately
been limited, especially by the Reagan and Bush administrations.

If legalizing marijuana can grant relief to the unbearable lives of
millions of these terminal patients, then it is worth implementing
legislation to get this drug to the people who need it and keep it
away from those who do not.

Rachel Ramjatan, The Bronx