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MARIJUANA LAW LONG OVERDUE

Thanks for publishing the letter from the student as West Junior High School who questioned why the medical use of marijuana is illegal ( "Allow medical marijuana use," Jan.  25 ).

Opponents of medical marijuana often claim it sends a mixed message to our youth, but the letter demonstrates that young people can differentiate between medical use and drug abuse, unlike state lawmakers.  After California voters passed Proposition 215 in 1996, legalizing medical cannabis, two subsequent studies found that California teens used marijuana at lower rates than the national average.

When families are facing serious illness, government should not stand in the way of legal access to any treatment that can help manage that illness and improve patients' quality of life.  Legal access to medical cannabis also helps caregivers by helping patients.

Polling has found over 80 percent support among Wisconsinites, yet lawmakers continue to thumb their noses at sick and dying state residents while pursuing divisive issues to further their own political goals.  It's time for the legislative leadership to end the eight-year blockade of medical marijuana legislation and move this legislation swiftly to Gov.  Doyle's desk.

GARY STORCK Wisconsin Coalition for Safe Access Madison