Nick Coleman is exactly right: Gov. Tim Pawlenty's opposition to even discussing our current marijuana laws has a tragic consequence — the denial of effective medicine to the seriously ill ("Politicians need to clear the air and debate drug laws," July 17).

Despite bipartisan support this session for the medical marijuana bill in the legislature, an historic victory on the Senate floor, the endorsement of numerous medical groups including the Minnesota Nurses Association, and 2 to 1 support among Minnesotans, Pawlenty continues to listen only to the misinformation presented by law enforcement and a small but vocal contingent of anti-drug zealots.

Medical marijuana laws are now on the books in 12 states. The dire consequences the opponents predict have never materialized.

As Minnesota patients and medical professionals have testified, marijuana is a safe and effective medicine for patients with certain diseases, including cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. The tightly-crafted bill approved by the Senate and now awaiting a vote in the House when the legislature reconvenes would protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community from the threat of arrest and jail. The failure to protect these patients is nothing short of cruel.

As Coleman notes, the larger issues of marijuana prohibition may be debated. But if we are going to have a *war on marijuana users,* we should at the very least remove the sick and dying from the battlefield.

Neal Levine, director, Minnesotans for Compassionate Care, Minneapolis