Medical Marijuana

Re “Pot Has Uses as Medicine, U.S. Panel Says,” March 18:

Now that the study of marijuana commissioned by Barry McCaffrey, our own federal drug czar, is released, perhaps we can have an adult dialogue about the medical applications of marijuana for people who can benefit from its use.

Since the report does indeed indicate it has benefits for certain diseases, we should allow research to move forward so that it can be applied in the proper cases in the most effective way; not necessarily smoked. It is just a matter of realizing the world will not go to hell in a handbasket if some truly sick people get to use marijuana.

MICHAEL L. STEMPEL

West Hollywood

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I am thrilled that there is finally a valid, scientific study showing that marijuana is indeed a beneficial substance and that people who can gain the most from its benefits--those suffering from painful diseases--should rightfully be allowed to use it. It’s a positive step in the direction of eventual legalization when hopefully the government will stop its propaganda and persecution campaign against innocent users of a substance which is less harmful than drinking alcohol and, to the chagrin of McCaffrey and the old guard, almost as widespread among the American public.

I find it highly ironic that these anti-marijuana warriors have likely never enjoyed a smoke of fine cannabis, nor are they dying of a condition which could be eased by its use. My guess is that if they were, their tunes would be quite different.

JASON ROBERTS

Lakewood