Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)
Pubdate: Wed, 18 Jul 2001
Copyright: 2001 The Salt Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.sltrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/383
Author: Jesse J. Holland, The Associated Press

HUTCHINSON WAFFLES ON MARIJUANA FOR INFIRM

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Asa Hutchinson, President Bush's pick to lead the 
Drug Enforcement Administration, declined Tuesday to commit the 
agency to vigorously enforcing the federal ban on medical marijuana.

The question came up during the Arkansas Republican's confirmation 
hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The Supreme Court ruled in 
May that a federal law classifying the drug as illegal includes no 
exception for medical uses.

"Do you think the federal government should make it a priority to 
prosecute people who are distributing marijuana to ill people?" asked 
committee chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.

The 50-year-old Hutchinson said he personally opposes the use of 
marijuana for medical purposes -- "It is still illegal, it is 
harmful, and there's many potential dangers. The scientific community 
does not support the medical use of it," he said -- but would not say 
going after medical marijuana dealers would be a priority for the DEA.

"As far as enforcement policy, that's something I'm going to work 
with the attorney general on and develop an appropriate policy," 
Hutchinson said.

"In other words, you can't take a position today," Leahy said.

Like Hutchinson, the Bush administration has been silent about its 
next move on medical marijuana and has taken no public action to 
enforce the Supreme Court ruling.

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon and 
Washington allow the infirm to have marijuana for medical purposes. 
without fear of state prosecution.
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MAP posted-by: Kirk