KEEPING POT ILLEGAL DENIES MEDICINE FOR SICK

There is really no doubt that marijuana has medicinal properties. Anyone
who says it doesn't is, no pun intended, blowing smoke. So why is it
illegal? Should the government really be in the business of promoting
suffering?

Simply put, every day that the medicinal use of marijuana remains illegal
is another day that medicine is withheld from the sick and dying. We
wouldn't wish unnecessary suffering on ourselves or family and friends. Why
should this medicine be denied to any patient who can benefit?

Politics and culture have driven this irrational fear of a God-given herb
for far too long. Now that we are into the 21st century, it's time for
science to be the determining factor rather than discredited reefer madness
myths.

2002 finds the Wisconsin Legislature ready to take up this issue. In the
past few weeks, newspapers from communities as diverse as Eau Claire,
Beloit and Racine have editorialized in favor of legalizing this therapy.
None have editorialized against. Decades of opinion polling have
consistently found 70% or more of Americans support legal access.

Medical marijuana is something the people want. The legislature should move
swiftly to end this medieval prohibition that forces our sick and dying
neighbors to either break the law or suffer needlessly.

Please contact your legislators and voice your support for this critical
public health issue.

Gary Storck

Madison