Pubdate: Wed, 28 Apr 2010 Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Copyright: 2010 Appeal-Democrat Contact: http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343 Author: Margaret Norton MEDICAL POT ID STANCE TYPICAL I do not understand why Sutter County's rejection of the medicinal marijuana identifications cards for medicinal users came as a surprise. Sutter County is known to be ultra-conservative. Years back Sutter County was one of the holdouts to accept food stamps instead of the commodity program. My first experience and knowledge of the benefits of the medicinal use of marijuana was when I visited two of my dear friends who were receiving chemotherapy. They both were patients of Stanford University Hospital. The doctors at Stanford recommended the use of marijuana to lessen the side effects of chemo. It wasn't a cure but it had its benefits. The year was in the '60s and early '70s - over 40 years ago. My friends: one was a CEO in one of the largest employers in the area, the other a prominent attorney. They were pillars of the community. Issuing the medicinal marijuana cards would benefit law enforcement. The card would clearly set apart the illegal use of the cannabis and make it easier for law enforcement to carry out their duties to arrest those that are in violation of the laws. I also believe the legalization of the cannabis could eliminate the criminal element that currently is reaping in the profits. Margaret Norton Olivehurst - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart