CHERYL'S STORY

Re: "Health risks outnumber benefits of marijuana use," March 8.

Although the perceived health benefits and risks appeared to be well
laid out, one point was ignored. Seriously ill people who use
marijuana medically do not die from its use. They die from their
afflictions.

The next time you want to say the health risks of marijuana outweigh
the benefits, try selling it to loved ones at the funeral of a medical
marijuana patient. My wife died last June after a 32-year battle with
multiple sclerosis. I provided Cheryl with illegal edible marijuana
products when I could. Marijuana relieved the pain, as it increased in
the last few years of her life. I don't need anybody telling me that
Cheryl would have been better off in pain, but I would like to see
someone try to fly that flag at a patient's funeral. Then, you might
actually learn a thing or two; unfortunately, it would be too late to
help the grieving loved ones left behind.

Jim Miller

Toms River, N. J.

Jim Miller is co-founder of the Multiple Sclerosis Patients Union.