Pubdate: Wed, 15 Aug 2001
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2001 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/homepage.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Phin MacDonald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

LOOK TO CANADA

Ellen Goodman's column, "Canada Takes Lead on Marijuana," [Currents & 
Books, Aug. 5] accurately described the absurdity of America's 
puritanical position on medical marijuana. It makes no sense that any 
adult can smoke tobacco and legally obtain marijuana's primary active 
ingredient, THC, in a prescription pill, but cannot legally get that 
same THC from smoking marijuana, which is cheaper and more effective 
for many patients.

A bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives that would 
allow doctors to prescribe marijuana with the same restrictions and 
oversight that now exist for medically approved drugs such as 
morphine. The legislation would also allow states to run their 
medical marijuana programs without conflicting with federal law. 
Anyone who thinks American patients should have the same right to use 
medical marijuana that Canadians now have should contact their 
representatives and ask them to support this bill.

Phin MacDonald

Medford, Mass.
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