LETTERS REGARDING MEDICAL MARIJUANA TASK FORCE

Re: "Marijuana madness / Respected researchers vs. ragtag task force"
(Editorial, Jan. 27):

Your editorial peels away the veneer of authority which the "Medical"
Marijuana Task Force is using to promote its guidelines which come before
the City Council Feb. 4.

The guidelines are deceptive, dangerous, unnecessary, unhealthy and
ultimately unworkable. They are represented as necessary to be
compassionate to patients under Proposition 215, but in fact are a sweeping
extension. Prop. 215 stands without local legislation! Tell your council
member the truly compassionate thing is to table the guidelines, because
they deceive the ill and youth, while endangering the whole city, not
solely marijuana users.

Law enforcement already has adequate guidelines: The Peace Officers Guide
provided by the Attorney General's Office after Proposition 215, suggests
possession of 1 ounce and one to two plants. These guidelines also cannot
change the fact that marijuana is illegal under federal law. The truth is
the DEA will still enforce the law when large amounts of marijuana are
possessed and sold.

In a time of budget crisis, the city should not spend tax money by getting
in the middle of a conflict between state and federal law.

There's nothing compassionate about a 100 square-foot garden of marijuana
in the yard of your neighbor. It's a crime magnet.

Libba Jackson-D'ambrosi

San Diego