In "Gone to Pot" (April 20, "g"), Alex Beam takes a light-hearted approach to examining the current state of marijuana reform in the region. He jokes about "weed people," and even makes a sarcastic comment about the medical marijuana program in California. Readers should be aware that for patients with terminal illnesses like cancer or Lou Gehrig's Disease, or serious conditions such as chronic pain or HIV, there is nothing funny about marijuana policy reform. Many writers find it difficult to report on marijuana issues without resorting to sensationalizing "stoner culture," but unfortunately such articles rarely acknowledge the seriousness of medical marijuana reform. [continues 76 words]