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 Feedback: 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 - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens