Pubdate: Sun, 14 Feb 2016
Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/0n4cG7L1
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376
Author: Ronald M. Becker
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v16/n074/a05.html

SHAME ON CMA FOR POT ENDORSEMENT

Re "Doctors dance with a toasty partner" (Forum, Dan Morain, Feb. 7): 
As a cardiothoracic surgeon, I have seen my share of smoking-related 
illness, and it is unseemly to say the least for the California 
Medical Association to support or tacitly approve of smoking in any form.

The pulmonary injuries from marijuana smoking are unlikely to differ 
from those seen in cigarette smoking, and I have seen lifetime 
non-(cigarette) smokers who were incredulous and chagrined that their 
marijuana indulgences might have induced their lung cancers.

"We should allow it because we can tax it" is a poor argument for 
legalization, and the notion that we will then use the money to 
underwrite anti-smoking programs is ludicrous. One does not expect 
better from an opportunistic, self-serving politician like Gavin 
Newsom, but the CMA has brought shame upon itself with this 
thoughtless endorsement.

Dr. Ronald M. Becker, Sacramento
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom