MARIJUANA LAWS PERPETUATE MYTH

Editor:

Your excellent coverage of George McMahon's plight carries a strong
condemnation of both state and federal policies concerning medical
marijuana ["A Quarter Ounce a Day," June 20]. Save for his membership
in the federal Compassionate IND program, McMahon would be subject to
the current laws endorsed by both Gov. Rick Perry and George W. Bush.
These mandate that patients who use marijuana with a doctor's
recommendation should be subject to arrest, criminal prosecution, and
time in a prison cage. Opponents of reforming current policy insist
that to do so would "send the wrong message" to children about
marijuana use. But McMahon demonstrates that adults can responsibly
use pot without graduating to more addictive drugs, without selling to
minors, and without committing crimes to fund their use.

Clinging to the notion that medical marijuana patients belong in
prison is akin to being a member of the Flat Earth Society. You can
join us in the 21st century, or if you prefer, you can refuse to
travel west in your boats, citing your fear of sea monsters or worse,
falling off the edge of the Earth once you reach the horizon. Both
patients and our kids certainly deserve better than this egregious
mythology.

Respectfully submitted,

STEPHEN HEATH

Member, Drug Policy Forum of Texas

Resident, Clearwater, Fla.