MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL A POLITICAL PLOY

Once again I was saddened to read your editorial of Feb. 13, "Medical
Marijuana Bill Should Become Law."

My heart goes out to legislators who are supporting this bill because of
personal experiences of dealing with a terminal illness of family members
and to those who are cancer survivors.

I have cared for and watched loved ones die, including two husbands,
mother, father, brother and sister. I have seen how a patient can die with
dignity with the help of Hospice and physicians who understand palliative
care and pain and symptom control.

I congratulate our Western Maryland legislators who are not agreeing to
support the "Medical Marijuana Bill."

I have opposed Delegate Don Murphy's bill each time he has introduced it. I
like to think I helped to defeat the bill by contacting legislators.
Delegate Murphy has brought it to the floor of the Maryland Republican
Party at the last two state conventions in the form of a resolution. I
helped to defeat it on both occasions.

While the state of Maryland is using the bulk of the tobacco settlement
money to educate people on the danger of smoking and second-hand smoke, we
cannot afford to encourage anyone to smoke or expose others to smoke.

Now to the criminal side of the bill. It is my understanding that the bill
would make it legal for a physician to write a prescription for three to
five marijuana plants. Has anyone given any thoughts to the pharmacy
break-ins that would occur? The patient's home would not be safe as the
word would get out in the neighborhood and schools that the marijuana
plants were available in that home. I have talked to many law officers who
feel that this would become a gateway drug. It would be wise for the
legislators to poll the members of the Fraternal Order of Police.

If Delegate Murphy's bill is so good, why hasn't the American Cancer
Society endorsed the bill?

I have been active in politics all my life. My "pet peeve" has always been
some elected officials quickly become "Jack of all Trades." They know all
the answers on every subject. To my knowledge, Murphy is not a physician or
a pharmacist. Is this a bill to ensure his re-election in a more liberal
district? I can feel his political pain, but marijuana isn't the answer.

You pointed out in your editorial that cancer and AIDS patients could
relieve their pain or counteract their treatment induced nausea by smoking
marijuana. I have been the executive director of Hospice of Garrett County
for 14 years. We, with the help of our medical director and family
physicians, do that very well without the help of marijuana.

I also think you should re-read the 1999 Gallup poll. You said it stated 73
percent of Americans support making Marijuana medically available. I
understand it to say they supported a "study" on the subject.

I would ask your readers to call their legislators and ask them to vote
against the Medical Marijuana bill.

I am always available to talk to anyone about Hospice care and to help you
locate a Hospice in your area. Trust me, you don't need marijuana. You may
call me at 301-334-5151.

Brenda J. Butscher, Executive Director

Hospice of Garrett County, Inc.

Chairperson, Garrett County Republican Central Committee