Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jun 2005
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2005 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: Robert Melamede
Cited: Gonzales v. Raich ( www.angeljustice.org/ )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

SUPREME COURT AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The new Supreme Court ruling on medical marijuana underscores how
ridiculous the failed policy of marijuana prohibition is. It is now OK
to use our tax dollars to protect the profits of the black market.

If the members of the Supreme Court, who ruled in favor of federal
interference in state decisions on medical marijuana, were "normal
citizens," they would be charged with conspiracy to promote
distribution of a controlled substance. The ruling essentially results
in the federal government protecting the profits of illegal interstate
cannabis merchants from any drop in price that would result from local
production and consumption. At the same time, this ruling may increase
the cost to medical users.

How can the government promote this absurdity?

As federalism expands, our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of
happiness decrease.

Dr. Robert Melamede, Associate Professor and Chairman,
BiologyDepartment, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs