Pubdate: Thu, 14 Feb 2002
Source: Farmington Daily Times (NM)
Copyright: NorthWest New Mexico Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.daily-times.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/951
Author: Bert Bouren

LET THE VERY ILL CHOOSE

Mark Lewis' Jan. 27 column was outstanding. If he left any important aspect 
of the marijuana issue uncovered, it could not be of much importance.

I don't think legalizing marijuana would be any more dangerous to the 
nation's population than many drugs already available (by prescription) 
that are being grossly abused daily. And, I do believe we are discussing 
marijuana for medical purposes.

When the very ill person places his or her life in the care of the medical 
machine, they become a diagnosis, plan of care, and a treatment program. 
They lose identity, personality and choice.

If these persons could be given some small choice regarding their care, 
such as the use of marijuana, this alone could be of infinite value to 
their daily struggle to recover or even to face the possible immutability 
of death.

We have as yet not been able to stop those who seek to destroy themselves 
with the dangerous use of harmful substances, but that isn't the issue 
regarding legalizing marijuana.

BERT BOUREN R.N.

Farmington
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