Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 Date: 07/26/2000 Source: Exponent, The (IN) Author: Brandon Eash Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1023/a03.html At least one editor on the staff of the Exponent is fervently against the use of marijuana for medical purposes, fearing that it would promote the eventual rampant spreading of this drug. While I agree that many Californians are utilizing the (arguable) medicinal benefits of marijuana as a front for its legal usage, I believe that marijuana laws in California at least take a stab at easing the great "pot fear" that exists in our country. I, like many of readers of this article, am a recreational drug user. Caffeine (daily usage) and alcohol (weekly usage) are two drugs that I use. Do I or any other drug user have a right to criticize a law that gives people access to marijuana, a drug whose long term usage effects are far less drastic than those of alcohol? The Californian voters have shown that basic moral behavior code still exists: Retrospectively judge our own actions before we restrict those of others. Brandon Eash, Senior, Schools of Engineering