THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, January 25, 1997 TAG: 9701240009
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 26 lines
As part of a school assignment, I read Stephen Chapman's Jan. 6 column regarding medical use of marijuana. I must express strong agreement. Who or what gives Barry McCaffrey, federal drug czar, the right to stomp out the California and Arizona vote that went in favor of marijuana's therapeutic value? And who does McCaffrey think he's fooling when he affirms ``absolute trust in the judgment of the American people'' and then proceeds to dismiss the people's vote as a ``Cheech and Chong drug policy''?
If he and the DEA are so sure that pot has absolutely no medical benefit, they should put forth a little effort to make marijuana available for clinical research to that effect. The Clinton administration, instead of opening its mouth and covering its eyes and ears, needs to fund the National Institute of Health studies.
``Cheech and Chong drug policy'' nothing; McCaffrey and the DEA are the ones playing games. My concern is not about legalization of marijuana but about the proper course of democratic government.
LUKE SMITH
Norfolk, Jan. 14, 1997