Pubdate: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 Source: San Francisco Examiner (CA) Author: Mike Nevin In response to your editorial "Bad dope" (Oct. 24): You suggest that San Francisco and San Mateo counties are studying whether they should let cops distribute marijuana to patients. I do not speak for San Francisco, but that was never the intent of San Mateo County, nor of my memo to the Board of Supervisors on the matter. I suggested that our Health Department, including our county hospital and four clinics, which have pharmacies, distribute marijuana as they would any other drug. I further suggested using confiscated marijuana from police cases booked for evidence. County pharmacists are available to determine that it is good, fresh marijuana. This would remove the need for cultivation and the profit motive from the issue. What might work in San Mateo County could be the answer in all 58 counties of the state. The law (Proposition 215) only dealt with legality, not cultivation or distribution of the substance. I will be meeting with Attorney General Dan Lungren on this suggestion on Nov.14. Marijuana should be available to those few in our society who qualify and are aided by its use. I believe this proposal makes sense. Mike Nevin, President San Mateo County Board of Supervisors Redwood City, CA