Pubdate: Thu, 25 Dec 2008
Source: Times, The (Trenton, NJ)
Copyright: 2008 The Times
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/times/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/458
Author: Don McGrath
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1145/a05.html

RELIEVE SUFFERING WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In reference to The Times' editorial "A safe prescription for marijuana 
use" (Dec. 18), I applaud the six state senators on the Health Committee 
who voted in favor of the bill to legalize marijuana for medical use in New 
Jersey.

I also applaud The Times' endorsement. My wife and I have been advocates of 
the bill from its inception in 2004, and we are encouraged that it is 
gaining some traction.

While opponents of the bill continue their tired arguments against medical 
marijuana, is it a coincidence that none of those vocal critics have 
medical backgrounds and that some have financial interests in keeping it 
illegal?

It's time to admit that marijuana is a medicine and should be legally 
available to the seriously ill people who need it. Most state residents, 
and now most state lawmakers, realize that.

DON McGRATH, Robbinsville
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