Readers React: The scourge of a synthetic marijuana-like drug

To the editor: The Eckhardts are an amazing family. I hope their fight against the dangerous, synthetic, marijuana-like drug “spice,” which killed their son Connor, will continue to be showcased. (“Before his organ donation, a final loving vigil for their son,” Aug. 9)

But, first, let me get one thing straight: Marijuana grown in the ground is illegal in almost every state, and yet it is not known to kill people. But this synthetic copycat is legal in many states and almost anyone, anywhere, can purchase the drug and die from using it, and the makers cannot be held responsible?

I think it’s time to shake this whole thing upside down and make it right side up.

Mary Gafner, Tustin

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To the editor: Organ donations save lives, but only 1% of all deaths are suitable for organ donation, and many patients die waiting for an organ transplant.

Like Connor, my daughter Cynthia died unexpectedly on July 17. Unfortunately, Cynthia did not qualify as an organ donor, but she was at least able to make tissue donations.

Thanks to Connor and Cynthia, who no longer needed their earthly bodies, other lives will be saved. As the Lakota say, Mitakuye oyasin: “We are all related.”

Lynn Kessler, Sherman Oaks