Pubdate: Tue, 06 May 2014 Source: Boston Herald (MA) Copyright: 2014 The Boston Herald, Inc Contact: http://news.bostonherald.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/53 Note: Prints only very short LTEs. Author: Joanne Maguire Page: 14 DRUG DOUBLE STANDARD There seems to be a lot of concern by lawmakers and drug abuse prevention groups, about the possible abuse of the painkiller Zohydro ("Advocates call for more restrictions on Zohydro," April 29). However, there does not seem to be the same concern for medical marijuana, which is already legal in our state. Both Zohydro and marijuana are extremely useful and advantageous when used appropriately. However, Zohydro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration, prescribed by a physician and stored at a pharmacy. In contrast, marijuana is not approved by the FDA and remains illegal under federal law. It will be grown in multiple facilities and distributed by multiple registered marijuana dispensaries throughout our state. I find it ironic that lawmakers and drug abuse prevention groups are so very concerned about the possible abuse of Zohydro but seemingly not of pot. - - Joanne Maguire, Burlington - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom