Dear Mr.- Thank you for contacting me regarding your support for the medical use of marijuana. While I am a strong advocate of eradicating drug abuse in America, I believe that the voters in California, Oregon and elsewhere ought to be able to decide whether marijuana should be available for medical purposes. Recently, the New England Journal of Medicine endorsed the medical uses of marijuana. Many leading doctors and researchers have found that marijuana is effective in relieving painful symptoms associated with degenerative illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer and glaucoma.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy frequently use marijuana to reduce their severe nausea.
AIDS patients also use it to generate their appetite and relieve them of the discomforting side effects of anti-viral drugs. With such strong testimony from patients and doctors supporting the therapeutic uses of marijuana, it seems ludicrous that the Clinton Administration is prepared to harass doctors who prescribe marijuana in accordance with state laws in California and Arizona. I assure you that I will continue to be a strong voice of reason in this debate. Again, thank you for your message. Please keep in touch.