Pubdate: Sat, 31 Oct 1998
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 1998 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://www.seattletimes.com/
Author: Steven Short

Initiative 692

DOCTORS ROUTINELY PRESCRIBE NARCOTICS WITH MORE POTENCY

As a physician, I find it rather ironic that so much opposition and
contempt is generated against the medical use of marijuana. I can tell
you that many of my colleagues and I use powerful narcotics and even
cocaine on our patients on a daily basis in a legal, medical and safe
manner. Millions of individuals greatly benefit from the proper use of
these highly addictive and potentially very toxic substances.

It is a double standard that our profession is not entrusted with the
use of a drug like marijuana for some ailing individuals whereas we
are given the power of prescription with a vast array of
pharmaceuticals, the danger of which far exceed the use of marijuana.

I support the medical use of marijuana knowing full and well that this
relatively non-toxic drug will not lead to serious social consequences
when managed by a caring physician. It might just help a sick individual.

Steven Short, Redmond
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Checked-by: Patrick Henry