IN THEORY:Debating the use of medical marijuana

Clergy in Illinois are supporting the legalization of medical marijuana, arguing that its use in treating pain and nausea associated with chemotherapy treatments for cancer, the pain of multiple sclerosis and other conditions is moral. What do you think?

I tend to side with the Illinois clergy.

True, some of them may be duped by those who want free pot anywhere and everywhere. But I think the relieving of suffering is of paramount importance. Also, part of me wants to say, "What's the big deal? We have legalized drugs now that we can purchase in our supermarkets." I am speaking, of course, of alcohol; we can buy as much as we want, and drink as much as we want. I think the same ought to be true for marijuana. Maybe there should be a prescription attached; I don't know. But why should there be no laws against alcohol consumption but stringent laws against marijuana consumption?

The argument might be made that marijuana leads to the consumption of stronger drugs, but I'm not sure that assertion can be proven. Does the consumption of one drink lead to the consumption of 70? I doubt it. Look, an addict is an addict is an addict; I know, because I have addiction in my family. A law prohibiting the consumption of something will not stop the person determined to have it. Also, the war on drugs has not been particularly successful. What do you say we relax the anti-marijuana stance for a while in favor of allowing the sick and/or the terminally ill a little relief? That and a little chicken soup couldn't hurt.

THE REV. C.L.

"SKIP" LINDEMAN

Congregational Church

of the Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Cañada Flintridge

The use of mind-altering herbs and plants in order to experience religious visions is ancient. Native North Americans used many flowers, leaves and roots as part of religious ceremony. From the use of peyote in the Southwest to the Rastafarian use of Indian hemp in Jamaica, each has used, and still uses today, mind-altering herbs and plants for religious rituals.

Scientologists do not practice any use of alcohol, drugs or herbs in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. In fact, Scientologists are aware that people today are living in a drug and chemical age wherein the use of medicinal, psychiatric and recreational drugs in society has reached epidemic proportions. Drugs interfere with perception, reduce learning rate, cloud thinking and generally make a person less able to cope with life and those around him.