EASING THE PAIN WITH POT

As a patient with Crohn's Disease, I've seen dramatic improvements in my
symptoms because of using medical marijuana. Cannabis is no more a magic
cure-all than morphine, but this makes me no less grateful for the relief
they both provide. I don't believe our nation would have benefited had I
been taken from my children and thrown in prison for choosing an herbal
remedy.

Andrea Barthwell's attitude is willfully ignorant ["More Tests Needed on
Medical Marijuana Use," Viewpoints, July 28]. Whatever else we can say
about marijuana, with budgets stretched to the breaking point and prisons
overflowing, society does not benefit when we throw sick people in prison
for trying to feel better.

Erin Hildebrandt

Smithsburg, Md.