Pubdate: Thu, 12 Apr 2001
Source: Lewiston Sun Journal (ME)
Copyright: 2001 Lewiston Sun Journal
Contact:  http://www.sunjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/743
Author: Tina Russell
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PILOT PROGRAM WOULD SOLVE MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION PROBLEMS

Medical marijuana was approved by the vast majority of Maine voters almost 
two years ago. It was recognized at that time that there was no adequate 
means by which the intended patients could obtain their medicine.

The current "grow your own" method is slow and costly. The black market 
method is quicker but still costly and unsafe. Surely no one intended to 
make people with debilitating diseases like cancer and AIDS risk life and 
limb just to acquire the medicine they need. But that is exactly what is 
happening. Also, many are too weak or haven't the time to wait for the 
marijuana to grow.

The Attorney General's Task Force overwhelmingly approved a pilot 
distribution program that will take the burden of supply away from patients 
and put it under the secure and watchful eye of the community.

The program is self-supporting, meaning no money will come from the state.

LD-611 was introduced by Sen. Ann Rand, D-Portland, and is favored by 
parties. Law enforcement will be intricately involved with the entire 
process, which insures the security of the operation.

LD-611 must/should have the support of all who care about human suffering. 
It is approved by the Maine voters, the Attorney General's task force, has 
bi-partisan support and is far better than the black market. It will be 
carefully monitored by the community and will cost the state nothing.

LD-611 is the best approach Maine can take to solving the problem of 
obtaining this medicine for patients.

Tina Russell, Norway
- ---
MAP posted-by: GD