PROPOSITION 215 SHOULD BE REPEALED

Ralph Schaffarzick

Your Opinion in the June 3 edition of The Union is commended. Indeed, "The
marijuana law is almost funny." I would, however, suggest stronger
evaluation. Prop. 215 of 1996 was, at best, a generous concession to
substance abusers.

The only clinically established medical indication for tetrahyrocannabinol
is the treatment of nausea, especially when secondary to cancer
chemotherapy. For that condition there are several other effective
medications that are not under the purview of the Harrison Narcotic Act.

When cannabinol is medically necessary, it can be prescribed by a doctor
and the prescription can be filled at a pharmacy as a controlled substance.
If, as Proposition 215 provides, users can obtain cannabinol from marijuana
grown in their own fields or in clubs, even with "written or oral
recommendation or approval of a physician," any control is a farce.

In my opinion, the only real answer is repeal of Proposition 215. That, of
course, would be next to impossible in the current permissive environment
of self-indulgence. Indeed, the seekers of artificial euphoria might next
push for legalization of opium dens and home operated methamphetamine labs.

Ralph Schaffarzick

Auburn

GET REAL AND LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

Adam Wiggins

The problem with our marijuana laws is not that Prop. 215 doesn't place
limits on medical marijuana; it's that marijuana is not yet legal for
recreational use. It boggles the mind that an activity that is so engrained
in our culture is still illegal. A federal survey in 1997 reported that 20
million Americans smoke on a regular basis. That's one in 10 adults! Why in
the world are we still wasting our tax dollars on the mistaken notion that
we can eventually put every one of those 20 million people in jail? We
can't do that; so instead, the blanket of medical marijuana is perhaps
spread a bit too broadly.

Let's just get real and legalize pot, already.

Adam Wiggins

director, Neoteric

Pasadena

Amend medical marijuana laws

KIM HANNA

Thank you for pointing out the flaw in the medical marijuana law. But you
fail to mention what part California politicians have played in the
marijuana debacle.

Proposition 215 was passed over five years ago, and the politicians have
failed to amend the law with a set of state guidelines. Surely five years
is enough for California politicians to act on behalf of their
constituents. There have been more than enough arrests and court cases to
demonstrate the need for amending the medical marijuana law in the state of
California. But once again, politicians shirk their responsibility and
leave the real needs of the people unrequited.

Kim Hanna

Worcester, Mass.