Pubdate: Fri, 28 Mar 2003
Source: Washington Times (DC)
Copyright: 2003 News World Communications, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washingtontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/492
Author: Joyce Nalepka
Cited: Marijuana Policy Project ( www.mpp.org )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MARYLAND'S MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION BID

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) spokesman Bruce Mirken's letter responding 
to White House drug czar John P. Walters' good efforts to oppose medical 
marijuana deserves much clarification ("Marijuana morality," Wednesday).

First, Mr. Mirken tries to claim that science is on his side by citing a 
few organizations and publications that he says have expressed support for 
"medical excuse marijuana." He, of course, neglects to tell readers that 
the most prestigious medical organizations in this country o including the 
American Medical Association, American Cancer Society, National Multiple 
Sclerosis Society, the American Glaucoma Association and the National Eye 
Institute, plus the United Nations o are all adamantly opposed to smoking 
pot as medicine.

No wonder he must resort to referring to well-known legalization advocate 
Dr. Jocelyn Elders to boost his argument. For the sick, there are many 
other medications that do a much better job at relieving symptoms than 
marijuana. If this weren't the case, we would hear an outcry from the 
medical community to legalize the medicinal use of the drug. But no outcry 
exists, except among drug legalization advocates.

Additionally, he tries to bolster his cause of legalizing drugs by claiming 
that the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine Report 
actually supported medical marijuana initiatives, such as the one just 
passed in Maryland. Of course it does not, since the report specifically 
states that "because of the health risks associated with smoking, smoked 
marijuana should not be recommended for medical use."

Clinical trials to determine the efficacy of single marijuana compounds is 
one thing, but widespread marijuana availability under the guise of 
"medicine" is quite another.

Shame on the MPP, whose sole stated aim is to legalize marijuana outright, 
for perpetrating lies and asking that the scientific process for 
determining safety and efficacy of a medicine be circumvented in the name 
of a larger political agenda. The Food and Drug Administration is the only 
agency that can approve drugs.

Recently, MPP published its seven-point list of goals for 2003. Because MPP 
is outraged that Mr. Walters is speaking out against marijuana 
legalization, MPP lists as its No. 1 goal, "Emasculate the drug czar."

Joyce Nalepka

President

Drug-Free Kids: America's Challenge

Silver Spring
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