MEDICAL MARIJUANA

We already know that Coloradans overwhelmingly support the right of
seriously ill people to use marijuana for medical purposes, but a recent
poll shows that support has grown since Colorado's medical marijuana
initiative passed in 2000.

According to the poll, administered to more than 1,000 adults by the Lucas
Organization, 76.9 percent of Colorado voters "strongly support" or
"somewhat support" the state law allowing seriously ill patients to use and
grow their own medical marijuana with the approval of their physicians.
This is a big jump over the 54 percent of voters who supported the
initiative in 2000.

An initiative to enhance distribution of medical marijuana to the seriously
ill could be on the ballot in 2004. Coloradans have already provided legal
protection to people suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and
other terrible illnesses. Making sure sick people can easily get their
medicine is the logical next step.

KRISTIN OECHSLIN

Washington, D.C.