Pubdate: Wed, 16 Mar 2000 Source: Oregonian, The (OR) Copyright: 2000 The Oregonian Contact: 1320 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201 Fax: 503-294-4193 Website: http://www.oregonlive.com/ Forum: http://forums.oregonlive.com/ Author: Melissa Finn UP IN MARIJUANA SMOKE Dear Editor, In your editorial "Up in Marijuana Smoke" (March 8, 2000), you say you "look forward to the day when the mighty weed returns to its proper place as a strictly controlled illegal substance." This statement is based on ONE study that showed that "a middle-aged person's risk of heart attack rises nearly five-fold in the first hour after smoking marijuana" (March 3 article). Are you aware that countless research applications to study the effects of marijuana have been denied? The government had denied dozens of applications out of fear that the benefits of marijuana will become scientifically known. The government only accepts applications for marijuana research that are designed to show negative results. I agree there are some risks, but I want the scientific truth about the benefits as well as the risks. It will not happen as long as the federal bias against marijuana exists. Melissa Finn Southeast Portland - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake