Pubdate: Thu, 19 Jul 2001
Source: Register-Guard, The (OR)
Copyright: 2001 The Register-Guard
Contact:  http://www.registerguard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/362
Author: Donald R. Bowmer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CAREGIVERS NOT CRIMINALS

It is disappointing that local law enforcement officials have begun 
using their limited resources to target caregivers such as Daniel 
Ernst, the "Angel of Mercy," who provide needed medicine to patients 
qualified under Oregon's medical marijuana law.

When a majority of voters agreed that there was a legitimate medical 
use for cannabis, they did so with the understanding that many people 
with disabilities and other medical conditions would have a 
reasonable opportunity to obtain this natural medicine.

Since it has been documented that most providers need six months to a 
year to produce and harvest a quality strain of the plant, Ernst has 
in good faith assisted those who are, or those who claim to be, 
suffering in our community by providing medicine for a small 
donation. Ernst has served dozens of disabled residents as a 
surrogate provider and hasn't used the law to profit, since all of 
the donations collected have been used to obtain more medicine for 
those in need.

As a community, we must send a clear message to the Eugene Police 
Department, the district attorney and Judge Brian Hodges that, while 
we do not support drug lords and profiteers, we do support and will 
defend those who have clearly acted in the best interests of those in 
pain.

Donald R. Bowmer

Eugene
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MAP posted-by: Kirk