Pubdate: Wed, 09 Jul 2003
Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: John Sajo

EXPAND ON SUCCESS

The June 25 article, "More medical marijuana use lowers the cost," raises 
several relevant points about marijuana. The success of medical marijuana 
in Oregon is overwhelming. The fact that about 1,000 Oregon physicians have 
recommended marijuana for their patients refutes the federal government's 
position that marijuana has no accepted medical use.

The article points out that patients can't buy medical marijuana at 
pharmacies but must grow it themselves [or have a caregiver grow it]. This 
makes no sense for patients who have debilitating conditions.

Some lucky patients manage to designate a caregiver who can produce 
marijuana for them, but most patients must buy from the black market or 
just go without the medicine. This policy is cruel.

Has anyone in Salem noticed that Oregon actually makes money from 
marijuana? We could go a long way toward solving our budget woes by taxing 
and regulating marijuana instead of prohibiting it.

JOHN SAJO

Dillard
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens