I've written several marijuana letters to the Monitor in the past, but this will be my last. I give up.

I smoked or ate marijuana for 40 years and never once did it make me puke. Nor did it give me a hangover or make me think I could drive when I couldn't.

I doubt many of you lawmakers have even asked anyone with experience to describe its effect on the mind. It may be different for many, but with me, it just opened up my mind enough to let me learn more about myself - which led to more empathy for others and a more profound belief in my concept of God, who really is Love.

But you already know that, right? I don't think so. Not when year after year you deny the sick a natural herb that comes from God. Laws are supposed to help people, not hurt them. 

Willie Nelson noted that stress is the greatest killer and that marijuana is the natural medicine God gave us for it. Willie's an honest man. If you can't believe an honest man, nor any of the many other decent, educated people who tell you the truth, then there is nothing I can say.

All I can do is keep hoping you'll see. It will surely take a miracle. In a world run by people who flat-out refuse to see, it's the only option left.

BRUCE CARLETON

Henniker