GETTING AN MMJ CARD SHOULD BE AS EASY AS GETTING A HANDICAP-PARKING
PLACARD

Regarding J.M. Smith's "Examining the Exam" (Medical MJ, Nov. 10):
Getting a medical-marijuana card should be no more difficult than
obtaining a handicap-parking placard.

I received my handicap-parking placard in about two minutes (after
waiting about 20 minutes for my number to be called). I just handed
the clerk the form filled out by my doctor, and two minutes later, I
received my handicap-parking placard. No money was requested. My
placard expires in five years.

On the other hand, getting a medical-marijuana card was a major hassle
and expensive. I had to drive 35 miles and pay $50 for an outfit to
take my photo for the ID badge, and then pay the state of Arizona $150
for the privilege of using a natural herb that has never killed anyone
in the 5,000-year history of its use. This privilege expires in one
year, and I'll need to pay another $150 to renew my medical-marijuana
card.

Shouldn't adult citizens be able to self-medicate with natural herbs
without seeking permission from the state?

Kirk Muse