Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jun 2007
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n661/a11.html
Author: Paul Armentano

THE GOVERNMENT'S REEFER MADNESS

Re "Not enough marijuana," editorial, May 31

One only hopes that the Drug Enforcement Administration sees the 
irony in Judge Mary Ellen Bittner's decision to allow for the private 
production of cannabis for government-approved research. While 
unfettered access to marijuana is only a phone call away for millions 
of U.S. teens, it remains out of reach for qualified researchers who 
wish to study its therapeutic utility in clinical trials. Chalk up 
another victory for America's misguided pot policies. It is time for 
the DEA and the White House to stop obstructing research into the 
medicinal properties of cannabis. Let medical science, not political 
rhetoric, be the final arbiter in this issue.

PAUL ARMENTANO

Washington

The writer is senior policy analyst for the National Organization for 
the Reform of Marijuana Laws. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake