Pubdate: Mon, 30 Nov 2009
Source: Grand Forks Herald (ND)
Copyright: 2009 Grand Forks Herald
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/PmdVQo7l
Website: http://www.grandforksherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/513
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n1064/a02.html
Author: Michael Boop

WHAT HAS COLUMNIST WILL BEEN SMOKING?

I wish that for once, a "know it all" journalist such as columnist 
George Will actually would do some research before writing such 
drivel ("Drop 'medical' from medical pot laws," column, Page D3, Nov. 29).

There are studies, too many to mention here, that refute almost all 
of Will's statements.

And if he had just Googled "medical marijuana," he could have found 
them himself.

Better yet, why didn't he spend a few hours in one of these marijuana 
businesses? He would have seen that his views were misplaced.

The public health cost of treating marijuana-related illnesses pales 
in comparison to the cost of treating alcohol-or tobacco-related 
illnesses, but I see no tirade from Will concerning these legal poisons.

Empirical research has shown that marijuana as medicine reduces the 
need for many narcotics legally prescribed for various conditions, in 
some instances replacing these harmful, dangerous and addictive drugs 
completely with a safer alternative.

Furthermore, discussing methamphetamine in the same article as 
medical marijuana is akin to comparing stubbing your toe to the Sept. 
11 attacks.

It isn't even apples and oranges; it's more like apples and 
chainsaws. There is just no common ground.

Michael Boop

Cridersville, Ohio
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