Ban is an insult

It matters not at all, contrary to letter writer Jason Greiner's opinion, that the "use of marijuana is synonymous with irresponsibility ... immaturity and a lack of willpower" ("Any Marijuana Legalization Is a Bad Move," July 18). People have an inviolable right to their own bodies and consuming marijuana is a personal -- albeit often irrational -- choice.

Moreover, Mr. Greiner's desire to restrict a physician's prescribing power is tantamount to advocating that he, and bureaucrats like Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, know better than the physicians and scientists who understand the pharmacology of cannabinoids and their effect on disease.

As Drug Policy Alliance's Allison Stouch wrote in her letter ("It's Good Policy," July 18), to relegate physicians to recommending that a patient who may benefit from marijuana turn to the black market is a travesty and an insult to the profession of medicine.

AMESH A. ADALJA, M.D.
Butler

It helps people

I have a lifelong friend who was diagnosed with a crippling muscle disease. It limited his ability to move to the point where he had trouble walking. He lives in a state where he can receive medical marijuana, which he credits with helping him get his movement back.

With so many people having similar experiences with marijuana, and with "81 percent of Pennsylvanians" supporting the legalization of medical marijuana, it's disgraceful that the "Democratic and Republican candidates for governor oppose it" ("The Push for Pot: State Bill Would Legalize Marijuana as Therapeutic Option," July 11).

When it comes to medical marijuana in Pennsylvania, the people have spoken, but those in power aren't listening.

PETER HORTON
Squirrel Hill

Pot's a distraction

As a retired police officer, I heartily agree with PG columnist Tony Norman ("Legalized Pot? Like Getting Bonged in the Head," July 13) that marijuana should be treated like alcohol, i.e., legal, regulated and taxed.

My profession will arrest more deadly DUIs and more child molesters when we stop arresting 800,000 marijuana users and suppliers each year. The police can once again focus on our original mission: public safety.

HOWARD J. WOOLDRIDGE
Adamstown, Md.

The writer co-founded Law Enforcement Against Prohibition.

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