Pubdate: Thu, 02 Dec 2004 Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA) Copyright: 2004 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Contact: http://www.ajc.com/opinion/content/opinion/letters/sendletter.html Website: http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28 Author: James Handsfield Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1715/a07.html?199139 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) ALL DRUGS HAVE RISKS, NOT JUST MARIJUANA Drug czar John P. Walters uses scare tactics to support the Bush administration's opposition to medical marijuana use ("Medical marijuana not worth the risk," Equal Time, Dec. 1). He focuses on the risks of marijuana use, never mentioning the apparent benefits. Every prescription drug has risks. A quick look at "Physician's Desk Reference," available in most libraries, will show the side effects and contraindications for using the drug. Conscientious physicians balance those risks with the benefit of taking the drug. If marijuana is the best drug available for a patient, and its benefits more than balance the risks, it should be available for physicians to prescribe it. James Handsfield, Atlanta - --- MAP posted-by: Derek