Pubdate: Sat, 24 Feb 2001
Source: Frederick News Post (MD)
Copyright: 2001 Great Southern Printing and Manufacturing Company
Address: 200 East Patrick Street, PO Box 578, Frederick, MD 21705-0578
Fax: 301-662-8299
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http://www.fredericknewspost.com/contact/contactfinalnew.cfm?contact=letters
Website: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/
Author: Christopher Petrella

NO MARIJUANA FOR SICK PEOPLE

I am writing to voice my displeasure with the bill being brought up on 
legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes. This was proposed at last 
year's legislation and was soundly defeated. So it looks like some our 
wonderful representatives are going to waste more time and try this measure 
once again.

I am speaking mainly of Del. Louise Snodgrass, who in the past I had 
respect for. As a strong Republican I can honestly say that Del. Snodgrass 
will not now, or ever, receive my vote again. Del. Snodgrass used to have 
her own mind. Where did that go? Looks like she is nothing but a clone and 
a pawn for what used to be one of her most rivaled female delegates. I have 
e-mailed her in the House of Delegates as well as forwarded the e-mail to 
other delegates on this issue. Funny, they replied but she had not. Is 
there a reason for this?

This bill, if it passes, will only open up a can of worms on marijuana as 
an overall legalization. Shall we legalize other illegal substances to 
"help" the sick? If they find crack cocaine beneficial to "treating" an 
illness should we legalize that as well? Maybe little Johnny can go across 
the street with his doctor's note and go get "stoned." What is the benefit 
in this, other than having the sick "escape" from reality. Should we have 
the pharmacists distribute this as well?

Who is going to grow this? Who will regulate it? How much money will the 
politicians and state make off this endeavor? Will she ignore this letter 
to the public, from the public, that put her where she is today? I will 
tell her what I consider a great city and a great county and that I do have 
political aspirations to someday maybe be sitting where she is, and I can 
honestly tell her I will not ignore the hand that feeds me.

CHRISTOPHER PETRELLA

Frederick
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