Pubdate: Fri, 06 Apr 2012
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/submissions/#1
Website: http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Author: David Goldman

FEDS, RESPECT STATE'S MEDICAL POT LAWS

While I commend The Chronicle for condemning the senseless raids by
the federal government against Oaksterdam University and the Blue Sky
Coffee Shop ("Stop the federal pot raids," April 5), I strongly take
issue with the assertion that there is "... a steady stream of
customers who hardly resemble the sick and suffering ..." who
patronize California's medical cannabis dispensaries.

I am a retired teacher, a medical cannabis patient and a member of the
collectives here in San Francisco that are being targeted by the
Department of Justice's latest attempt to circumvent state and local
law, not to mention the overwhelming will of the people of California.

Since when is a visual diagnosis by a layman more credible than a
physician's written recommendation based on medical examinations,
blood tests, MRIs, CAT scans or X-rays?

How can any one of you tell if someone like me is free of debilitating
migraines, neuropathic or chronic pain, glaucoma, cancer, HIV/AIDS,
multiple sclerosis or any other serious medical condition when
entering or leaving a dispensary?

I strongly urge President Obama to work with state and local
officials, patients and other stakeholders to end the divide between
state and federal law.

The Obama administration and its Department of Justice must respect
state and local medical marijuana laws.

David Goldman, San Francisco
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MAP posted-by: Matt