To the editor,

The May 3 letter to the editor from Farmington Police Chief Lindquist opposing the medical marijuana bill is identical to those that have appeared in other newspapers around the state in recent days. I'd like the opportunity to respond to this version as I have to the others, and I would suggest that Chief Lindquist give a serious issue like medical marijuana more serious consideration before signing on to such form letters.

Chief Lindquist worries that a medical marijuana law will lead to confusion among law enforcement. However, law enforcement agencies in 12 states successfully execute their duties while respecting their states‚ medical marijuana laws, and there is no reason to think Minnesota would be any different.

He goes on to defend arresting seriously ill people who find relief in medical marijuana, citing an FDA news release denying marijuana's medical value‚ a statement debunked in dozens of newspaper editorials as purely political with no scientific foundation. In fact, scores of studies in serious, peer-reviewed scientific journals support marijuana's effectiveness treating symptoms of life-threatening diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

While it's true that unscientific federal policy remains a problem, 99 percent of marijuana arrests occur at the state and local level. By passing the medical marijuana bill, legislators can provide suffering Minnesotans with real protection and peace of mind. I would respectfully suggest that medical decisions should be made by patients and doctors, not law enforcement.

Neal Levine, Director, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care Date: 5/17/2007