I would like to applaud the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for its recent vote approving the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes ("Pa. House votes to legalize medical marijuana," March 17). The bill had languished in committee in previous sessions primarily due to a small but powerful minority that opposed this source of potential relief for thousands of Pennsylvanians in need.

When finally allowed to come up for a vote, the bill passed by an overwhelming majority, 149-43, which closely matches the results of a recent Quinnipiac University poll of Pennsylvania residents on the medical marijuana issue. It was refreshing to see the will of the people carried out by our elected officials. This vote truly demonstrated democracy in action.

Jeffrey Fogel, M.D., Ambler, docfog4308@yahoo.com

[end]