Pubdate: Fri, 28 Apr 2000
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI)
Copyright: 2000 Honolulu Star-Bulletin
Contact:  P.O. Box 3080, Honolulu, Hawaii 96802
Fax: (808) 523-8509
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Author: Nancy Kern

MEDICAL MARIJUANA OK SHOWS TRUE COMPASSION

Congratulations to the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii and numerous other
organizations and individuals -- including a group of courageous and
forward-thinking state legislators.

They were instrumental in passing legislation to remove state-level criminal
sanctions for seriously ill people using marijuana with the approval of
their physicians.

Again, Hawaii has demonstrated national leadership in the area of
enlightened public health practice and compassion for those suffering from
the painful effects of debilitating illnesses, which the medical use of
marijuana could potentially alleviate.

The passage of this legislation sends a critical message to two very
important groups:

*To those who are ill, we have provided evidence that their well-being is
important to us and that we are invested in providing them with options to
improve their quality of life.

*To our children, in supporting humane policies that address the health and
welfare needs of our sickest community members, we have demonstrated the
values of compassion and caring for others.

Nancy Kern
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