Pubdate: Sat, 25 Dec 2004
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.uniontrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Author: David Joy
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

WHY VIOXX APPROVED BUT MARIJUANA NOT?

Today the Food and Drug Administration is approving drugs that have
ultimately led to the deaths of some people, yet the FDA and the
federal government classify marijuana as too dangerous. In California
and in seven other states, pain sufferers can legally obtain a
prescription for marijuana to relieve themselves of the painful
maladies that plague their daily lives.

I choose not to use marijuana because the drug makes me lazy and
unmotivated, and because I suffer from no pain. However, it is
ludicrous that one can be denied an effective pain remedy in favor of
a risky, unproven and inadequately tested pharmaceutical.

DAVID JOY

Spring Valley