I found new respect for Gov. Gary Herbert when he cautioned against implementing authorization of legalizing medical marijuana. If there is justification for such a movement to legalize marijuana for terminally ill persons, it appears to be an attempt to set the stage for further efforts to end with the recreational use which is sought by many users. If in fact people who are terminal would find comfort in using marijuana, then why not use heroin which results in a far higher euphoria?

Back in the 1800s, a medicine man would come through town with a patent medicine that brought comfort for all sorts of illnesses, aches and pains. These medicines were laced with large amounts of opium which brought false relief. When the amounts were gone, the pain returned.

Later, a new drug appeared called Londinium. This developed as a catchall drug by combining camphorated tincture of opium, known as paregoric. This, too, had to be regulated because of its addictive nature of dependence.

There have since been many drugs and medicines developed with claims of relief for almost everything. Herbert is correct to proceed with caution and finding medical support to justify proceeding into the unknown.

Harry W. Patrick, Salt Lake City