Pubdate: Wed, 16 Apr 2008 Source: Rockford Register Star (IL) Copyright: 2008 GateHouse Media, Inc. Contact: http://www.rrstar.com/contact Website: http://www.rrstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/370 Author: Kirk Muse Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n361.a02.html MARIJUANA SAFER, EFFECTIVE I'm responding to the outstanding letter from Robert Sharpe, "Medical marijuana works" (Your Views, April 1). One of the medications prescribed by my physician for arthritis pain and inflammation has the rare potential side effect of death. In other words, if I take this medication as prescribed, I can die as a result. On the other hand, marijuana has never been documented to kill a single person in the 5,000-year history of its use. For me, marijuana is the more effective medication. Right now, if adult citizens opt for the safer and more effective medication, they are subject to arrest and imprisonment with hardened, violent criminals. Is something wrong with this situation? I think so. Kirk Muse Mesa, Ariz. (former Rockford and Freeport resident) - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin