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
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe