MEDICINAL MARIJUANA: HELP OR HARM

I understand Fred Becker's concerns about medical marijuana
dispensaries ("Supervisors praised for marijuana stance," Letters,
Nov. 7).

After the federal prosecution of the late Steve McWilliams, neither he
nor I were allowed to use cannabis during the last three years. San
Diego thus lost its public advocates. The guidelines were then changed
and the provisions for an adequate caregiver system were gutted,
leading to the current situation. This has adversely affected the
health of patients as well as raised concerns in the larger community.

Since August, I have been meeting with San Diego city officials,
including law enforcement and legal staff, who are in agreement that
the task force must be reconvened to address these issues as soon as
the election is over. The dispensary model may have a necessary role,
but it must be open to public input and the guideline changes must be
addressed.

The county's response is not only in violation of the California
Constitution; it is also being irresponsible to the seriously ill and
dying patients in their districts for whom this law was passed nine
years ago. Intense suffering and early deaths are on their hands as
long as they continue to set policy that endangers their constituents'
lives.

Instead of fighting us, I invite the county and its residents to join
the city in a revitalized and reformulated Medical Cannabis Task Force
to create positive solutions for patients and their communities as
well. The scientific truth of the efficacy of medicinal cannabis is
available and I will be happy to provide it to anyone.

Barbara MacKenzie

San Diego