Pubdate: Sat, 13 Nov 2004
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Richard Feldman
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04.n1590.a06.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

THE 'POT DOCS' CONTROVERSY

Eric Bailey's article, "Taking a Leaf From 'Pot Docs' " (Nov. 6), once
again underscores the absurdity of the government's perverse action
against trained physicians who prescribe marijuana for the seriously
ill.

Time would be better spent directing energies where real harm is done
instead of harassing healthcare providers who distribute a substance
that really makes a positive difference for people who face severe
medical issues.

I should know because I am the dad of Nick Feldman, Dr. Frank Lacido's
patient described in this article. Nick may get through the day with a
"little help from a friend," but if it were not for the support of a
licensed physician, his options would be limited to the street. There
is no wonder why government officials, sipping their third pre-dinner
martini, get the terms hypocritical and Hippocratic mixed up.

Richard Feldman

Los Angeles
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin