Pubdate: Sat, 12 Nov 2011 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2011 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.signonsandiego.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Author: Sarah Winston FOR LEGALIZING CANNABIS I believe that those who are ill should have first "dibs" on medical marijuana. Being a liberal, I believe that allowing medical marijuana is a step to decriminalizing it. I feel that many treat marijuana as if it is a hard drug, something that could injure you terribly, like heroin or cocaine. Is it immoral to deny a sick individual the right to feel well? Marijuana provides relaxation and pain relief without serious complications or side effects. Unlike some pain relievers and relaxers like Valium, morphine or Vicodin, pot is often just a mild drug (although results vary if abused). I am for legalizing marijuana, but if we can begin with allowing the sick to get the relief they deserve, we may be on the road to greater, more important issues. Sarah Winston Rancho Bernardo High School senior - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.