Dear Mr. Linn:

Thank you for your message about our nation's drug policies and marijuana. I appreciate knowing your thoughts.

I oppose the legalization of marijuana for general use. While marijuana use may not be lethal, it certainly can be harmful to an individual's brain. Marijuana users often experience visual distortions, difficulty in expressing simple thoughts in words, a decline in color recognition, and impaired motor skills. Two other proven side effects are sexual dysfunction and short-term memory loss.

At the same time, I believe that marijuana may have a medical application when prescribed by a doctor in specific cases, such as glaucoma and the alleviation of pain in some patients with chronic illnesses.

The Supreme Court has ruled that medical necessity cannot be used as a defense against prosecution under the federal law prohibiting cultivation and distribution of marijuana - not even in states that have created a medical marijuana exception to their comparable ban under state law.

I believe that federal policy would benefit from a carefully crafted medical use exemption for marijuana that includes adequate safeguards against abuse. In 2004, I was joined by Senators Leahy and Jeffords in introducing the Truth in Trials Act, which would have made changes in the Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to accommodate states that have approved exemptions for the medicinal use of marijuana. Unfortunately, this measure did not become law.

We also need to address our nation's drug problem by developing longer-term solutions to the problem of drug abuse. We need to invest in treatment programs so that prisoners do not automatically return to their old ways when they leave prison. Drug courts and the drug abuse treatment programs that they operate have shown promise in reducing recidivism and helping non-violent drug addicts overcome their addictions. We must continue to explore solutions such as these.

Additionally, we need to increase the resources available for prevention, to stop the drug problem before it starts. Well-designed prevention programs can provide children with the necessary skills to resist substance abuse and violence.

I will continue to support funding for prevention, treatment, and law enforcement efforts, which are all critical components in the fight to reduce the drug problem in our country, while supporting a carefully crafted exception for the medical use of marijuana pursuant to a doctor's prescription.

Thanks again for sharing your views. Please feel free to keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Richard J. Durbin

United States Senator

RJD/ds

P.S. If you are ever visiting Washington, please feel free to join Senator Obama and me at our weekly constituent coffee. When the Senate is in session, we provide coffee and donuts every Thursday at 8:30 a.m. as we hear what is on the minds of Illinoisans and respond to your questions. We would welcome your participation. Please call my D.C. office for more details.