http://www.dpeg.org/Whoarewe/discussionlist.htm Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jun 2001 Source: Morning News of Northwest Arkansas (AR) Copyright: 2001, Donrey Media Group Contact: http://www.nwamorningnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/835 Author: Rod Greig 'POT' NEARLY HARMLESS I truly wish the critics applauding the Supreme Court decision on marijuana, and Dr. Copp's defense of its medical uses (Public Viewpoint, May 20), could talk to the people I've known whose lives have been saved by it. One was a woman in New Jersey whose chemotherapy treatments caused her to seriously contemplate suicide after the failure of the many drugs several doctors prescribed. A friend suggested that she try marijuana before giving up, and just one use a day gave her the relief she needed. Two of the executives I worked with a few years ago had the deplorable - -- I thought -- habit of smoking a "joint" in a closed office once or twice a week. I couldn't stand the smell when they opened the door, and was never tempted to try the stuff, but it obviously in no way impeded their effectiveness in business, nor did it interfere in any way with their family life. I knew both very well, and one was such a great musician that he gave a sellout solo performance in one of New York's largest concert halls. I've known a number of people who have died from misuse of alcohol and cigarettes, but apparently the only person who died from the drug was killed by a policeman's bullet. If any reader doubts the logic in proposals to decriminalize marijuana use for medical purposes, I suggest they contact the non-profit Drug Policy Education Group in Fayetteville, or visit their Web site at www.dpeg.org. Among other things, they'll learn that arrests for marijuana possession in Arkansas accounted for 65 percent of all drug arrests in the state. We're paying for all those costs, and most of it is unnecessary, and indeed cruel when it deprives a medically handicapped person of relief. Rod Greig Bella Vista - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake