Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jun 2002 Source: Union, The (CA) Copyright: 2002 Nevada County Publishing Company Contact: http://www.theunion.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/957 Author: Ralph Schaffarzick, Adam Wiggins, and Kim Hanna PROPOSITION 215 SHOULD BE REPEALED Ralph Schaffarzick Your Opinion in the June 3 edition of The Union is commended. Indeed, "The marijuana law is almost funny." I would, however, suggest stronger evaluation. Prop. 215 of 1996 was, at best, a generous concession to substance abusers. The only clinically established medical indication for tetrahyrocannabinol is the treatment of nausea, especially when secondary to cancer chemotherapy. For that condition there are several other effective medications that are not under the purview of the Harrison Narcotic Act. When cannabinol is medically necessary, it can be prescribed by a doctor and the prescription can be filled at a pharmacy as a controlled substance. If, as Proposition 215 provides, users can obtain cannabinol from marijuana grown in their own fields or in clubs, even with "written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician," any control is a farce. In my opinion, the only real answer is repeal of Proposition 215. That, of course, would be next to impossible in the current permissive environment of self-indulgence. Indeed, the seekers of artificial euphoria might next push for legalization of opium dens and home operated methamphetamine labs. Ralph Schaffarzick Auburn ****************************************************************************************** GET REAL AND LEGALIZE MARIJUANA Adam Wiggins The problem with our marijuana laws is not that Prop. 215 doesn't place limits on medical marijuana; it's that marijuana is not yet legal for recreational use. It boggles the mind that an activity that is so engrained in our culture is still illegal. A federal survey in 1997 reported that 20 million Americans smoke on a regular basis. That's one in 10 adults! Why in the world are we still wasting our tax dollars on the mistaken notion that we can eventually put every one of those 20 million people in jail? We can't do that; so instead, the blanket of medical marijuana is perhaps spread a bit too broadly. Let's just get real and legalize pot, already. Adam Wiggins director, Neoteric Pasadena ****************************************************************************************** Amend medical marijuana laws KIM HANNA Thank you for pointing out the flaw in the medical marijuana law. But you fail to mention what part California politicians have played in the marijuana debacle. Proposition 215 was passed over five years ago, and the politicians have failed to amend the law with a set of state guidelines. Surely five years is enough for California politicians to act on behalf of their constituents. There have been more than enough arrests and court cases to demonstrate the need for amending the medical marijuana law in the state of California. But once again, politicians shirk their responsibility and leave the real needs of the people unrequited. Kim Hanna Worcester, Mass. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom