Congratulations on the Globe’s editorial board’s openness in discussing the issue of medical marijuana.
Unfortunately there are many misconceptions surrounding sound science. The medical field should be able to prescribe substances that relieve suffering and improve the quality of life.
If marijuana does that for some individuals, then perhaps we should regulate it like paregoric, an opium derived product that at one time was available over the counter to treat diarrhea. I can remember being given this as a child and was grateful for a great drug. Marijuana perhaps should be legalized and treated like paregoric or even like tobacco and alcohol, regulated and taxed by the state with the Missouri Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
Penalties and strict control for the protection of the general public should be required.
Marvin Singleton
Stockton, Calif.
