Pubdate: Fri, 25 Jun 2004
Source: Gazette, The (Colorado Springs, CO)
Copyright: 2004 The Gazette
Contact:  http://www.gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/165
Author: Elena Bost
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Pain-Wracked Patients Shouldn't Live in Fear

I was very pleased when the woman in Teller County had her marijuana
returned and the case was dropped ("Case against pot grower dropped,"
Metro, June 17). I would encourage everyone to let our politicians
know that most of the people in Colorado believe sick people should be
able to use medical marijuana if directed to do so by their doctors.

Where is state Attorney General Ken Salazar on this issue? Should he
not work to keep the federal government from coming into our state and
overriding our law that says medical marijuana is legal in Colorado?

I know people who use marijuana to relieve their pain and help them
have a better quality of life. They, and their caretakers, should not
have to live in fear of prosecution and imprisonment.

I have written to Gov. Bill Owens and Rep. Joel Hefley about this,
only to be told by both that there is absolutely no medical use for
marijuana. Many scientific studies show otherwise.

Who should decide, the patient and his/her doctor or the
politicians?

If people care about this issue they should write or call Hefley and
ask him to vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment. Remember, it
could someday be one of your loved ones who is affected.

Elena Bost

Peyton 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake