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: Toni Atkins
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

I would like to address some inaccuracies presented as fact in your editorial.

First and foremost, it should be made clear: these guidelines are in no way 
intended to be guides to medical practitioners for the prescription of 
cannabis. They are intended to serve as guidelines for City of San Diego 
law enforcement personnel and the medical patients whom they may encounter 
in the course of their duties.

Second, members of the Medical Cannabis Task Force are representatives of 
patients, caregivers, medical professionals and legal experts. The doctor 
who was dismissed as a "controversial osteopath" is in fact a licensed 
medical practitioner who has extensive experience in treating patients with 
HIV and AIDS.

The membership of the task force was first suggested at a Public Safety and 
Neighborhood Services Committee meeting in early 2001. It was approved by 
the mayor and council by an 8-1 vote later that spring.

After holding a series of public forums and hearings, the task force 
concluded that evidence exists to support the need for a clear 
understanding on the part of both law enforcement personnel, medical 
professionals and prospective patients with regards to what is and is not 
allowed under the law.

I would challenge anyone who has heard first-hand testimony from recent 
chemotherapy patients or persons with AIDS to discount their testimony. 
These people have no agenda but to eat, to survive, and to maintain their 
dignity and a sense of control over their own lives. It is for them and 
others like them that we have a duty to give guidance.

Toni Atkins

San Diego City Council member,

Third District 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth