STATES PROVE SUCCESS OF MEDICINAL MARIJUANA

I must agree with Tom Powell and other supporters of medical
marijuana, as described in The Daily Cardinal's article ("New York
Times ad sparks debate on medical marijuana use in Wis." March 8-10).

Here in California, we passed a law legalizing marijuana for medical
use over five years ago. Many of our citizens suffering from
debilitating, often terminal diseases such as cancer and AIDS have
benefited greatly from this unique medicine. Even our local city
officials and police departments, many of whom originally opposed the
measure, are now fully supportive. And how could they not be? Take
just a few minutes to talk to one of the patients who use cannabis.
Their eyes filling with tears; they will describe how greatly it has
improved their lives by allowing them to function normally despite
debilitating

pain, and stimulating their appetite when other medicines could not.
In many cases, these people only have a few years of life remaining.
Anyone who interacts with one of these patients will instantly agree
that legalizing cannabis for medical purposes is an act of compassion
beyond measure.

Adam Wiggins
Pasadena, Calif.