Pubdate: Tue, 30 Nov 2004
Source: Hickory Daily Record (NC)
Copyright: 2004 Hickory Daily Record
Contact:  http://www.hickoryrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1109
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

LET STATES DECIDE MARIJUANA ISSUE

Law is not an end unto itself. Law exists to facilitate and ensure
justice. In that vein, we hope the Supreme Court leaves the use of
medical marijuana a states' rights issue.

Medical marijuana has proved useful in the relief of pain and the
stress associated with pain. The evidence is mostly empirical, but
many doctors believe marijuana provides relief for some patients.

Medical marijuana is legal in some states, including California,
Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont and
Washington.

The question before the Supreme Court is whether federal law trumps
state regulations, or state law shields certified medical marijuana
users and their physicians from federal prosecution.

Supporters of medical marijuana cite its effectiveness for some
patients, plus relieving those specific patients from prescription
pills that provide limited relief and/or have unwanted side effects.

Marijuana, proponents claim, actually decreases drug dependency
(pills) and side effects, plus alleviating stress for patients who
should use it.

Supporters are quick to point out that medical marijuana isn't for
everybody - that only a narrow segment of patients should even be
considered for marijuana.

Opponents say medical marijuana laws are a boon for drug traffickers.
They point out the number of drug deaths per year as reasons to strike
down medical marijuana use. They also claim that medical marijuana
sends the wrong message that drugs are good.

However, no state with medical marijuana laws have noted an increase
in drug trafficking or dealers avoiding prosecution because of the
legislation. The drug-death statistics also include deaths from all
illegal drugs such as heroin and cocaine. The percentage of
marijuana-induced deaths is a fraction of the total number.

And, the multi-billion-dollar prescription drug business - with its
promotions and advertising - is not considered predatory or sending
the wrong message on pill popping.

We trust the public can differentiate between drug use for kicks and
drug use for necessity.

The general notion is that recreational drug use is evil. We recognize
the danger and suffering associated with drug dependency, just as we
recognize the difference between alcohol consumption and
inebriation.

If access to marijuana is tightly controlled, if doctors are
accountable for prescribing marijuana as they are for all drugs and if
patients fully understand their responsibilities, we see no reason why
medical marijuana cannot be reserved as a states' rights issue.

The federal government must trust the people and discern between
illegal drug trafficking and the health and welfare of qualifying patients.

Adhering to the law just because it exists and disallowing any
exceptions is not justice and it isn't protecting the public.

Any possibility that can benefit the public must be explored without
bias. Too many good, qualified people in several states are convinced
medical marijuana is the right prescription for some patients.

The federal government should be permitted to treat them or their
doctors as criminals.

Leave this issue in the hands of the states.
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MAP posted-by: Derek