Pubdate: Tue, 22 May 2001
Source: Daily Item (PA)
Copyright: 2001 The Daily Item
Contact:  http://www.dailyitem.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1045
Author: The Providence Journal

RECLASSIFY MARIJUANA

The Supreme Court has dealt a setback to the drive to allow medical use of 
marijuana. In an 8-0 ruling last week on a California case, the court held 
that federal law recognizes no therapeutic benefits to the drug. Therefore, 
cooperatives that distribute marijuana to the sick can be blocked from 
doing so by federal authorities. The court did not address whether the 
states themselves may distribute the drug, or whether individual patients 
may grow or possess it.

Polls show widespread support for the medical use of marijuana. The drug 
has been found to ease the side-effects of chemotherapy, along with the 
symptoms of AIDS and other illnesses. However, substantial data are 
lacking, in part because the drug is illegal. The paucity of information 
has helped make Congress reluctant to reclassify marijuana (now a Schedule 
I drug), despite repeated promptings from advocates.

Taking matters into their own hands, eight states have passed ballot 
initiatives allowing the drug's medical use.

Almost certainly, more legal haggling is in store. The Supreme Court's 
unanimity went only so far. Justices John Paul Stevens, Ruth Bader Ginsburg 
and David Souter noted that the broader question of whether someone 
seriously ill might be allowed medical use of marijuana is still open.

Congress could save everyone considerable trouble if it would only find the 
courage to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug (addictive but in 
some cases beneficial). Americans trying to manage their own health care 
would gain more of the kind of latitude they increasingly demand, and 
deserve. And the many who place marijuana on a par with alcohol would 
welcome the blow to hypocrisy. With a protracted court fight, the 
inconsistencies in U.S. drug policy will only become more glaring. And 
contempt for the law will increase.
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MAP posted-by: Beth