Pubdate: Tue, 03 Apr 2001
Source: News-Times, The (CT)
Copyright: 2001 The News-Times
Contact:  http://www.newstimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/637
Author: Robert Antonellis

COURT SHOULD REVIEW MARIJUANA'S BENEFITS

Regarding the Supreme Court on the medicinal use of marijuana:

It's time the court review not the benefits or dangers of marijuana, but 
simply how people may be benefited from its use.

When the court hears arguments about medical benefits it will not hear the 
stories of how people can be more comfortable living with deadly 
conditions, nor the stories from parents of their children being addicted 
to the illegal drug.

They will only hear the phrase "smoking marijuana," and will never allow 
this phrase to be used legally in the United States. Many far more 
dangerous and addictive drugs, such as codeine and Special K, are legal in 
the United States when administered and controlled by registered medical 
personnel.

In their arguments, proponents would be well served to encourage U.S. drug 
companies to develop a marijuana inhalant or other ways to use marijuana 
without smoking.

Until the benefits are medically separated from the phrase "smoking 
marijuana," all arguments are irrelevant.

Robert Antonellis
Danbury
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