Source:   San Francisco Bay Guardian
Contact:   http://www.sfbg.com
Pubdate: January 28, 1998
Note: The Marcus-Mermelstein Family also had this LTE published in the San
Note: Francisco Chronical

PRISONERS OF PROHIBITION

Thursday, Jan. 29, 1998, is the 78th anniversary of the day the 18th
Amendment to the Constitution -- prohibition of alcohol -- went into
effect. That dismal legislative failure was ultimately repealed, but the
legacy of misguided prohibition policy remains.

In 1996 over half a million people were arrested for possession of
marijuana. The numbers don't adequately describe the pain their families
suffer. Across the nation, first in Delaware and then in the state of
Washington, loved ones have begun leaving lights in their windows until
fathers, mothers, siblings, and children -- all "prisoners of prohibition"
- -- can come home.

California voters are prisoners of prohibition too. The 56% majority who
passed Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act) are about to see their votes
nullified by the federal government. The Justice Department has filed suit
to close six Bay Area cannabis clubs that provide medicinal marijuana to
the sick and dying.

We voted for Proposition 215 so that our friend who is struggling to live
with the AIDS virus and digestive disorders could obtain marijuana to
increase appetite, regain weight, and be able to maintain the pill regimen
necessary to control the AIDS virus. The other drugs available to control
nausea are more potent, have more side effects, take longer to work, and
are more expensive than the marijuana dispensed from a club.

A year ago our friend was a walking skeleton; now this person can do the
things that are important to life. When the cannabis clubs close, our
friend will have to go to the street to find marijuana, becoming under
federal law a criminal who risks imprisonment.

Last week when our nation's government said it would sue the cannabis
clubs, we decided to put a light in our window too. We urge all
Californians who support Proposition 215 to do the same.

JANE MARCUS / LEW MERMELSTEIN Palo Alto