Pubdate: [Thu, 17 Oct 1996]
Source: Fresno Bee (CA)
Author: Jerry W. Hawkins

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to an editorial in your October 3 edition which
spoke against Prop. 215. Opponents of this measure state that it will
provide a loophole for drug dealers or anyone who wishes to grow
marijuana.  That is false. The measure would not legalize sale or even free
distribution. Both of these things would still remain illegal. It would
also not allow anyone arrested for possession to simply say that their
doctor said it was o.k. and then walk away. That person and their doctor
would have to swear under oath that a prescription was given. What Prop.
215 would do is allow someone with a prescription to grow (because even
distribution by a doctor would be illegal) marijuana for medicinal use.
Plain and simple.

The drug Marinol (which is currently prescribed to fight nausea due to
chemotherapy) is unreliable and costs up to $30,000 a year per patient.
That's our tax dollars if the patient happens to be a Medicare or Medicaid
recipient.  I truly believe that this measure would provide a cheaper, more
reliable remedy for those patients for whom Marinol does not work. Those
who claim that it is nothing more than a loophole need to read the measure
with more attention and an open mind. It will allow many terminally or
critically ill patients a chance to be relieved of suffering. Just as it
was intended to.

Sincerely,
Jerry W. Hawkins