Pubdate: Sat, 10 Apr 2010 Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ) Copyright: 2010 The Sun Contact: http://yumasun.com/opinion/sendletter.php Website: http://www.yumasun.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258 Author: Nancy F. Phipps, M.D. MEDICAL MARIJUANA PLAN IS BAD IDEA Arizona is apparently considering allowing medical marijuana with "certificates" written by a doctor and purchased in nonprofit dispensaries. A total amount of 2.4 oz. - which is enough for 200 joints - could be purchased every two weeks, as reported in the Yuma Sun. In my opinion as a retired doctor this is a very poor idea, because: 1. Marijuana is not a medication but a recreational drug. 2. It will be shared with friends and family. 3. This marijuana will find its way to the streets to be sold, as are narcotic prescriptions at this time. 4. This gives marijuana a legal drug standing. Do Arizonans want this much more marijuana floating around in their communities and allowing it to be considered harmless if the doctor prescribed it? NANCY F. PHIPPS, M.D. Yuma - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart