Pubdate: Fri, 19 Jun 1998
Date: 06/19/1998
Source: Calgary Sun (Canada)
Author: Lynn Harichy

I WAS saddened to hear that Grant Krieger was found guilty. ("Up in
smoke -- pot plea ignored," June 17) How can society and the lawmakers
decide what is good for us? Many have come forward to say marijuana
helps. Medical patients who use this herb are not criminals. Why are
we made to go out and get our medicine from a criminal who is able to
provide it for us?

If we go to someone like Krieger for help, he is charged with
trafficking, while the ones who are profiting are getting away with it
because they have the funds and experience to do so. Our government
has the power to help, but refuses to do so. We are second-class citizens.

We do not have the right to live a quality life because our medicine
is being forced away from us. We must choose to live in pain and
continue to suffer or to live as a criminal. I ask what would you choose?

Lynn Harichy

(Good question.)