Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jul 2000
Date: 07/19/2000
Source: Journal Gazette (IN)
Author: Neal Smith

I must take issue with some of the statements made in your paper by
Calvina L. Fay, executive director, Drug Free America Foundation Inc.

Marijuana has a several thousand-year history of medical use. Most
recently, the Institute of Medicine report of 1999 indicates some,
though not all, of the medical uses as well as destroying the
"Stepping Stone" myth about marijuana use. Further, recent studies
prove marijuana's tumor-reduction capabilities, effectiveness in
treating spasms, particularly in multiple sclerosis and Tourette's
syndrome.

The War on Some Drugs has been successful only in alienating a large
portion of society and netting those misguided officials such as Rep.
Mark Souder who are lining their pockets with proceeds from the drug
war.

The majority of those who support the drug war have a vested interest
in doing so. Fay is among them. A good, honest look at the truth would
help her and Souder.

NEAL SMITH,
Indianapolis

Bookmark: additional articles on medicinal cannabis are available at
http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm
Cited: Drug Free America Foundation Inc. http://www.dfaf.org/
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n972/a06.html