Pubdate: Sat, 6 Feb 2010 Source: Record, The (Stockton, CA) Copyright: 2010 The Record Contact: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=A_OPINION05 Website: http://www.recordnet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/428 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n1163/a03.html Author: Kirk Muse WHY RISK SIDE EFFECTS? I'm responding to the outstanding letter "If pot helps, then it is good" (Dec. 30, The Record). One of the medications prescribed by my physician for my arthritis pain and inflammation has the rare potential side effect of death. In other words, if I take this medication as prescribed, I can die as a result. On the other hand, marijuana has never been documented to kill a single person in the 5,000-year history of its use. For me, marijuana is the more effective medication. Now, if adults opt for the safer and more effective medication, they are subject to arrest and being sent to jail with violent criminals. Is something wrong with this situation? I think so. Shouldn't adults have the freedom to choose what goes into their own bodies in the privacy of their own homes? Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake