Pubdate: Sun, 19 Nov 2006 Source: Sacramento Bee (CA) Copyright: 2006 The Sacramento Bee Contact: http://www.sacbee.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/376 Note: Does not publish letters from outside its circulation area. Author: Peter Gabriel Keyes Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1529/a02.html?283308 MARIJUANA: THE NARK NEEDS TO CHILL Re "Smokescreen of medical pot clouds view of the dangers," Forum, Nov. 12: DEA agent Gordon Taylor needs to lighten up on some of society's most vulnerable citizens -- patients who benefit from doctor-approved cannabis. He wrote a commentary disseminating much medical advice, but only physicians are qualified to do that. The Institute of Medicine states, "cientific data indicate the potential therapeutic value of cannabinoid drugs, primarily THC, for pain relief, control of nausea and vomiting, and appetite stimulation." The United Kingdom classifies marijuana as a soft drug, punishable for personal amounts by a simple warning. The United States should emulate Europe. And Taylor should help our sick and dying people live, not seek to imprison them. - - Peter Gabriel Keyes, Sacramento - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom