Pubdate: Fri, 03 Apr 2009 Source: Albany Democrat-Herald (OR) Copyright: 2009 Lee Enterprises Contact: http://www.democratherald.com/forms/contact/letters_editor/ Website: http://www.democratherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/7 Author: Allan Erickson Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n368/a08.html WAR ON POT'S A BIG SCAM Well, Larry Compton apparently has only a bad attitude to defend his position against cannabis ("Can't Pot Cure Everything?" March 30). The truth is that the whole war on pot is a scam and has always been a scam. Pot (and all other medicines) used to be available right off the shelf. Pot was once the key ingredient in many tinctures and palliative medicines. Today we know that pot fights many diseases and conditions. We also know that the government has buried studies showing positive benefits of cannabis (including one in 1974 that demonstrated it has great anti-cancer potential), obstructed research into positive effects of cannabis and engaged in a seven-decade-long propaganda war that avoided truth like the plague. Mr. Crompton, do you know that our federal government -- the same government that says cannabis has no medical value -- owns the patent to "Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants," US Patent 6630507? And did you know that the feds also supply Elvy Musikka her medical cannabis? Do you know the intricate and demanding process involved in being approved for the Compassionate Investigational New Drug program under which she receives that can of 300 prerolled cannabis cigarettes every month? Elvy (who is a friend of mine) speaks truth to lies. Larry, you've bought the lie. Allan Erickson Eugene - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin