Pot policy

Re “Weeding good from bad,” editorial, Aug. 27

Bravo to The Times for cutting to the heart of the recent medical marijuana controversies. Federal policies that treat even the most ethical and law-abiding medical marijuana providers as common criminals only make life easier for the unscrupulous types. The best way to ensure that medical marijuana is appropriately regulated is for the federal government to leave states alone to regulate it as needed.

In that respect, there is a clear difference between the major party presidential candidates. Barack Obama has said he would end the federal raids. John McCain likes current federal policy just fine, and actually ridiculed patients who pleaded with him for more compassionate policies during primary campaign events in New Hampshire last year.

Bruce Mirken

Communications Director

Marijuana Policy Project

Washington