Pubdate: Fri, 13 Apr 2001 Source: Dallas Morning News (TX) Copyright: 2001 The Dallas Morning News Contact: http://www.dallasnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/117 Author: Christopher Largen LEGALIZE MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USES Opponents of marijuana decriminalization often propose the alternative of developing inhalers which isolate chemicals found in marijuana, delivering them to patients in a smokeless form. This is not, however, indicative of an actual concern for the health of sick and dying people. It is more about profits for pharmaceutical companies who do not profit from natural herbs for which no patents are legally available, and which can be easily grown by patients themselves. Second, the call for research operates in a circular fashion. Drug warriors say that we cannot change the marijuana laws until there is more research. Yet it is because of the restrictive drug laws that there is not more research. Any one scientist seeking to engage in legitimate empirical experiments with cannabis must face a daunting gauntlet of bureaucratic hurdles. Third, while it is true that the medical marijuana laws of many states are in conflict with federal laws, our federal government is also in conflict with itself. For example, the Drug Enforcement Administration claims that marijuana has no medical benefit. If this is true, then why does our federal government provide George McMahon, a fellow Texan and friend of mine, with a monthly supply of 300 pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, courtesy of our tax dollars? He has a genetic disorder called Nail Patella Syndrome which causes painful spasms and bone deformities. His doctors claim that if it were not for his legal supply of federal marijuana, he would probably not be alive today. Although he smokes 10 joints a day, he is remarkably lucid and eloquent. He has testified before state and federal legislative committees. It is time for our government to stop throwing seriously ill patients in jail for private, doctor-approved consumption of cannabis. Compassionate conservatism requires no less. CHRISTOPHER LARGEN, The Colony - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe