The March 18 E-R had an article regarding medical marijuana.

People, the press and elected officials must accept that pot is not a medicine. The term “medical marijuana” is simply a label proponents of pot have invented to support their journey toward legalization.

Neither the Food and Drug Administration or any other government agency has approved it as a medicine.

Might we expect cigarette smokers to proclaim cigarettes as “medical cigarettes”? Is to too farfetched to imagine alcohol consumers at a gathering to make a toast to “medical whiskey.”

Now this is getting a bit ridiculous, isn’t it — or is it?

When confronted with the need to ban pot, proponents of pot point out that prohibition did not work, nor will outlawing marijuana. To that I reply that the existence of one drug does not justify adding another.

The article mentions the need for marijuana for patients with glaucoma, cancer and other ailments typically claimed by users of pot.

I had glaucoma. Eye drops were prescribed to keep eye pressure under control. Ultimately surgery was necessary. I have not had any problems since. That was over 45 years ago.

I now have cancer that is being monitored by several doctors. Not one has prescribed marijuana.

In closing, let me say there are all kinds of medicines, both over the counter and prescribed for all kinds of ailments.

— Joe Canzoneri, Magalia