Pubdate: Tue, 02 Sep 2003 Source: Express & Star (UK) Website: http://www.expressandstar.com/ Feedback: http://www.expressandstar.com/es/aboutus/feedback/letters.shtml Address: 51-53 Queen St Wolverhampton WV1 1ES Fax: +44 (0) 1902 319721 Copyright: Express & Star, 1997-2003 Author: Sean Flanagan THERE'S NO NEED TO PUNISH THE SICK I read with interest Roger Aston's letter opposing the use of cannabis in medical trials. Mr Aston seems to have confused the relationship between cannabis and violent crime with the relationship between cannabis and illness. The two are completely separate issues. The message being sent out by this research is not that drug abuse is acceptable, but that cannabis is a painkiller, and that sufferers of physically crippling illnesses have a right to a better quality of life. No-one chooses to be ill, and the law should not be used officiously to punish those who are ill, or anyone who goes out of their way to help them. Cannabis has proved time and time again to have medicinal purposes. Any research directed towards improving the lot of sick people by trained and committed professionals, using any drug, legal or otherwise, can only be welcome. SEAN FLANAGAN Highfield Way Aldridge - --- MAP posted-by: SHeath(DPFFlorida)