Opinion

DEA should allow marijuana studies

LETTER — Posted April 16, 2007

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Regarding "DEA judge's ruling could help medical marijuana research" (Article, March 19): DEA Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner's ruling recommending that a medical researcher be allowed to grow his own marijuana for research studies is a welcome step that increases physician autonomy and is a victory for patients.

Under the current system, adherence to philosophical principles inimical to the founding principles of this nation, the DEA has retarded medical research and potentially imperiled patient care. The DEA should follow Judge Bittner's ruling and pave the way for unfettered research into marijuana's medicinal benefits.

Amesh Adalja, MD, Butler, Pa.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2007/04/16/edlt0416.htm.

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