LET THE VERY ILL CHOOSE

Mark Lewis' Jan. 27 column was outstanding. If he left any important aspect
of the marijuana issue uncovered, it could not be of much importance.

I don't think legalizing marijuana would be any more dangerous to the
nation's population than many drugs already available (by prescription)
that are being grossly abused daily. And, I do believe we are discussing
marijuana for medical purposes.

When the very ill person places his or her life in the care of the medical
machine, they become a diagnosis, plan of care, and a treatment program.
They lose identity, personality and choice.

If these persons could be given some small choice regarding their care,
such as the use of marijuana, this alone could be of infinite value to
their daily struggle to recover or even to face the possible immutability
of death.

We have as yet not been able to stop those who seek to destroy themselves
with the dangerous use of harmful substances, but that isn't the issue
regarding legalizing marijuana.

BERT BOUREN R.N.

Farmington