Pubdate: Fri, 23 Mar 2001
Source: Capital Times, The  (WI)
Copyright: 2001 The Capital Times
Contact:  P.O. Box 8060, Madison, WI 53708-8060
Fax: (608) 252-6445
Website: http://www.thecapitaltimes.com/
Author: Jon Hain, Madison

LET PATIENTS AND DOCTORS DECIDE ABOUT POT USE

Dear Editor: Your article about medical marijuana advocate Jacki Rickert 
really drives home the inhumane nature of our failed war on drugs.

It is hard to believe that in the interest of "protecting" us, our 
government not only prohibits citizens from using a time-tested, effective 
and safe medication but also actively tries to jail those who use it. The 
raid on Jacki's home was unconscionable. Even worse, though, are our 
elected officials who allow these policies to continue.

It is time for our leaders to stop playing doctor and let decisions about 
medical conditions and treatments be made by patients and their physicians. 
I applaud state Reps. Frank Boyle and Mark Pocan for their efforts to allow 
sick Wisconsinites the right to use marijuana to ease their pain. I 
sincerely hope that other state Assembly and Senate members will step 
forward to join them in creating a policy that is just and humane.

Jon Hain
Madison
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