Marijuana Policy Project

(Re: News article, "Man acquitted in pot case," March 28.)

Tim Stevens is fortunate that a jury recognized his legitimate medical need for marijuana, which is well documented in scientific studies to relieve nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms — often when conventional drugs fail. But patients like him should not have to depend on luck and an open-minded jury.

Recently, the 124,000-member American College of Physicians cited a "clear discord" between current laws and the scientific consensus regarding marijuana's value as a medicine, and strongly called for legal protection for patients who need medical marijuana. It's time for legislators — on the state and federal levels — to put aside old misconceptions and prejudices and enact clear protection for patients whose lives and well-being depend on medical use of marijuana.

Bruce Mirken, communications director, Marijuana Policy Project, San Francisco