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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth