Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Baltimore Chronicle (MD)
Copyright: 2002 The Baltimore Chronicle and the Sentinel
Contact:  http://baltimorechronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/975
Author: Bruce Mirken
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PUBLIC SUPPORTS MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

A new poll taken in Maryland Jan. 9-12 underlines what many of us knew 
already: The public supports the right of patients to use marijuana for 
medical purposes, and legislators can act to protect patients without 
risking trouble at election time.

The poll, conducted by Gonzales/Arscott Research and Communications, found 
that 37 percent of Maryland voters would be more likely to vote for a 
candidate who supports protecting medical marijuana patients while only 18 
percent would be less likely to support such a candidate. Forty percent 
said a candidate's position on the issue would have no effect. Men, women, 
whites, blacks, Democrats, Republicans and independents all said they would 
be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports protecting medical 
marijuana patients.

This jibes with everything we know about voter sentiment on medical 
marijuana. In every state where protection for patients has been on the 
ballot, it has passed by a large margin. Local, state and national polls 
have consistently shown strong public support.

Maryland legislators will soon get another chance to protect patients who 
need marijuana to relieve symptoms associated with cancer, multiple 
sclerosis, AIDS and other terrible illnesses. Now that they know they have 
nothing to fear, one can only hope they will do the right thing.

Bruce Mirken
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