MEDICAL MARIJUANA ILLEGAL

Regarding David S. Broder's column, "Raid on pot lab bad RX in time of
war" (Nov.11), distribution and consumption of marijuana have always
violated federal drug law, and this was affirmed by the recent Supreme
Court decision mentioned by Broder.

Federal drug law is based on science that shows marijuana to be highly
addictive and without evidence showing it to be medically effective or
necessary. Twelve thousand five hundred studies published in
peer-reviewed journals for more than 60 years overwhelmingly
demonstrate the destructiveness to mental and physical health, as well
as the social harms of marijuana use.

As for the recent Supreme Court decision, why is the Oregon Health
Division administering a marijuana use program in clear violation of
federal law?

Roger E. Burt,
Southeast Portland