Pubdate: Sat, 17 Apr 1999 Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA) Copyright: 1999 Mercury Center Contact: http://www.sjmercury.com/ Author: Monica Sain, Campbell Note: Original article posted at http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/a/n273/a01.html MOVE AHEAD ON MEDICINAL MARIJUANA After reading about the admirable efforts of California Attorney General Bill Lockyer to make the 1996 medicinal marijuana initiative work for people who may benefit from it (Page 1A, March 10), I have a renewed sense of hope regarding health care and the utilization of drugs in America. This move is definitely a step in the right direction because it focuses on how this law (Proposition 215) may benefit people who are seriously ill due to AIDS, cancer, chronic pain, or other illnesses for which current treatments have not helped. This point is highlighted by what Lockyer said in response to opponents of Proposition 215: "It does not make any sense that a doctor can prescribe morphine to his patients, but cannot prescribe marijuana." Maybe Lockyer's meeting with law enforcement officers and medicinal marijuana activists will dispel the myths about what may happen as a result of this law (more drug addiction, etc.). Most important, I hope it will become easier for people to get the treatment they need. Monica Sain, 17 Westmont High School Campbell - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D