Pubdate: Thu, 29 May 2003
Source: Wilmington Morning Star (NC)
Copyright: 2003 Wilmington Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.wilmingtonstar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/500

DEMO HOPEFUL TELLS SF PAPER HE SUPPORTS MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich has become the first Democratic 
candidate to say he will support the legalization of marijuana for medical 
use if he's elected.

The Ohio representative told the San Francisco Chronicle in a story 
published today that pot should be available to any patient who needs it to 
alleviate pain and suffering.

California voters approved just such a measure and it is currently state 
law. However -- the Justice Department says federal law takes precedence. 
Under federal law, marijuana is illegal.

Kucinich told the newspaper during a telephone interview that compassion 
requires the drug be available to the sick.

He says that if he's elected, he will sign an executive order permitting it 
to be used by patients who need it.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom