Marijuana mythology?

Ukiah Daily Journal Staff
Article Last Updated: 03/21/2008 08:47:52 AM PDT

To the Editor:

The marijuana advocates use prescriptions (Rx's) for pot, to legitimize their growing marijuana. They speak of the ill who suffer unless they can obtain marijuana. This Rx argument is seriously flawed.

An Rx has a dose, a frequency of use, an amount, and is filled by a reliable pharmacy. Information is given concerning and the possible long term consequences. There is a limit to the refills, and the quantity of use is monitored, as well as the benefits or problems associated with the use of the Rx drug.

Marijuana Rx's are predominately given out by physicians, who do this for financial gain. The patient arrives with cash, tells a story. The physician then gives them their Rx, usually with little or no exam, and sends them on their way. The patient is not required to follow up, or verify that the Rx is effective. There is no dose, and there are no instructions on when, or how much should be used. Some of these encounters occur after the patient waits in a long line, sometimes stretching out a doorway onto the street. I had the opportunity to hear a doctor from Berkeley who is an advocate for marijuana speak. He has testified in front of the Supreme Court on behalf of marijuana as a Rx drug. I asked him how many patients he saw in the past few years for pot Rxs. His answer, 3,000. I then asked of the 3,000 individuals who came in, how many left without an Rx for marijuana? His answer, none. His charge for this service? $150 per person. Do the math: $450,000, paid in cash. No wonder he advocates for this practice. His list of diagnosis for pot included a juvenile who was stressed with being in juvenile hall, and wanted to smoke pot to sleep at night, while incarcerated.

Please don't be confused by my point here, there are a few people out there who benefit from smoking pot. I worked at the local AIDS clinic in the early 1990s. I have been a physician for the past 29 years, there are cancer patients, and others who use pot and benefit. Most smoke very modest amounts, and prefer not to be intoxicated, or high. There are local physicians who are careful, and do give good advice on marijuana.

What we have in Mendocino County is a system that is built on lies, and deceit. The growers stand behind the medical Rx argument. The pot grown here is sold elsewhere; the money comes back, and is not taxed. The criminal element becomes involved because of the cash involved, and because the entire enterprise is done behind closed doors. The sheriff and the police look the other way. The DA does not prosecute, and if they do, they do not seem to be able to win. The board of supervisors has placed a measure to repeal Measure G on the June ballot. I would like to support them. Repealing Measure G is a good first step. Having our DA request that physicians who run marijuana clinics be shut down by the state medical board is also needed. If we work together, we an return Mendocino County to the safe and serene place I moved to 19 years ago.

James Pretorius.
Potter Valley