A $9 million grant from the federal government was awarded to the University of California at San Diego's Institute for Medicinal Cannabis Research ( ``Scientists to test storied uses of marijuana as medicine,'' Nov.  25 ).  The marijuana will be supplied by the federal government to replicate existing findings about marijuana's medical safety and efficacy.

Texas universities are currently ineligible for these research funds, because the 1989 Texas statute allowing medical research on marijuana has never been implemented.  Medical marijuana research is forbidden in Texas.  In 1997, Texas' Legislature passed a law forbidding voter initiatives on medical marijuana in Texas.

Thank goodness Texas universities are not eligible for those medical research funds.  Thank goodness Texas' elected officials removed your right to vote on medical marijuana.

Otherwise, Texans might appear progressive.

HARVEY GINSBURG, San Marcos