Pubdate: Sat, 01 Feb 2003
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Section: Letters To The Editor
Copyright: 2003 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.uniontrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Author: Libba Jackson-D'ambrosi
Note: Title by MAP Editor
Referenced: Editorial: Marijuana Madness: Respected Researchers vx. Ragtag 
Task Force
MAP URL - http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n139/a03.html?1195 and SD 
Union Tribune URL: 
http://signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/mon/opinion/news_1ed27top.html
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

LETTERS REGARDING MEDICAL MARIJUANA TASK FORCE

Re: "Marijuana madness / Respected researchers vs. ragtag task force" 
(Editorial, Jan. 27):

Your editorial peels away the veneer of authority which the "Medical" 
Marijuana Task Force is using to promote its guidelines which come before 
the City Council Feb. 4.

The guidelines are deceptive, dangerous, unnecessary, unhealthy and 
ultimately unworkable. They are represented as necessary to be 
compassionate to patients under Proposition 215, but in fact are a sweeping 
extension. Prop. 215 stands without local legislation! Tell your council 
member the truly compassionate thing is to table the guidelines, because 
they deceive the ill and youth, while endangering the whole city, not 
solely marijuana users.

Law enforcement already has adequate guidelines: The Peace Officers Guide 
provided by the Attorney General's Office after Proposition 215, suggests 
possession of 1 ounce and one to two plants. These guidelines also cannot 
change the fact that marijuana is illegal under federal law. The truth is 
the DEA will still enforce the law when large amounts of marijuana are 
possessed and sold.

In a time of budget crisis, the city should not spend tax money by getting 
in the middle of a conflict between state and federal law.

There's nothing compassionate about a 100 square-foot garden of marijuana 
in the yard of your neighbor. It's a crime magnet.

Libba Jackson-D'ambrosi

San Diego
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MAP posted-by: Beth