Pubdate: Tue, 10 Sep 2002 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Section: Editorials & Opinion Copyright: 2002 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://www.seattletimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 MISJUDGING MARIJUANA The Bush administration has escalated its assault on state medical-marijuana laws from civil actions to raids on growers. So far, the raids, including the one on nationally known Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative in Santa Cruz, last week, have been confined to California. But eight other states, including Washington, have similar laws, and could be next. The only remedy to Drug Enforcement Administration Director Asa Hutchinson's arsenal of raids, criminal charges and forfeitures is federal legislation to eliminate the disparity between federal laws, and states' acknowledgement that some seriously ill patients benefit from using marijuana. In July, Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank introduced the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act to permit distributors of medical marijuana in states where it's permitted to be free from federal prosecution. It would also move marijuana to a drug category that would permit it to be distributed through pharmacies. Joining the liberal Democrat at a press conference supporting the measure were two Republicans, Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and Rep. Dana Rohrabacher of California. The group shows that medical marijuana has widespread support from people of many political stripes, despite its unfortunate, high-profile support from groups who want to decriminalize all marijuana use. Voters in eight Western states and the Hawaii Legislature have been persuaded by mounting medical evidence that marijuana can assist people suffering from AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease and many terminal illnesses, and have passed laws permitting its use. In 1999, a White House-commissioned study by the Institute of Medicine concluded marijuana did have medical benefits. Washington voters approved their initiative in 1998 with 59 percent approval. The problem is ensuring that marijuana actually is used for medical, not recreational, purposes. Oregon recently tightened its law when it was found that one doctor was writing 40 percent of the prescriptions. Congressman Frank's legislation is the right way to go. It resolves this federal assault on people trying to assist the seriously ill, and gives this valuable tool for physicians and patients the respect and regulation it deserves. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth