FEDERAL POT POLICY MISGUIDED

Re: "Markup on medical marijuana 1,500%: High cost a hardship for
users left unemployed by illness, patients say," The Journal, April 16.

Is anyone really surprised that the federal government is raking in
huge profits from its private marijuana grow-op? Or, that it is doing
this on the backs of people who are sick and suffering?

The hypocrisy of the government is astounding. On one hand, they
persist in telling us that marijuana is a dangerous substance. Forget
the fact that the medical journal Lancet recently stated marijuana is
clearly less dangerous than alcohol or nicotine, both of which are
legally available. Ignore the fact that 12 American states now
recognize the benefits of medical marijuana in relieving pain or
discomfort experienced by sufferers of glaucoma, AIDS, joint pain and
even high blood pressure.

People who cannot afford the exorbitant prices charged by the
government have only one recourse -- dealing with criminal suppliers.

Misguided policy is driving the sick and wounded into the arms of
street dealers.

Ken Wylie, Edmonton