Pubdate: Thu, 24 May 2006
Source: Oroville Mercury-Register (CA)
Copyright: 2006 Oroville Mercury Register
Contact:  http://www.orovillemr.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2277
Author: F. Aaron Smith
Note: F. Aaron Smith is the statewide coordinator with Safe Access 
Now, an organization dedicated to the implementation of fair and 
consistent guidelines in all California counties as a safe harbor 
from arrest under H&S Code _11362.5, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

COUNTY SHOULD BEGIN ISSUING MEDICAL MARIJUANA ID CARDS

Imagine if you were living with a serious illness with very few 
options for treatment, but there was a drug available that helped you 
to live as close to a healthy, productive life as you could 
reasonably expect. The only problem is that the medicine your doctor 
recommends can easily be mistaken for a form of the drug that is 
illegal. At any time, you could be stopped by a law enforcement 
officer and have to provide documentation that you have the drug legally.

While your kids wait for you at home, the officer tries to reach your 
doctor, who has already left the office for the day. The officer 
decides to confiscate your medicine and set a court date to work out 
the confusion. You have to miss work to go to courtoand even when the 
judge acknowledges you did nothing wrong, thereis no guarantee that 
the same thing wonit happen again next week.

An estimated 900 to 1,100 patients in Butte County who are currently 
using marijuana under state law to treat such afflictions as multiple 
sclerosis, AIDS, severe arthritis and cancer, risk facing this 
scenario every day.

A decade ago, when voters passed the landmark initiative that made 
possession, cultivation and use of marijuana for medical purposes 
legal under California law, the directive was clear: ensure patientsi 
safe and legal access to their medicine. Making that a reality, 
however, has been a challenge.

To address the concerns of both the patient and law-enforcement 
communities, the state established guidelines known as the Medical 
Marijuana Program Act in 2003.

Perhaps the most important part of our stateis Medical Marijuana 
Program is the establishment of a statewide voluntary ID card program 
for qualified patients and their caregivers. Many patients choose to 
become cardholders because it greatly reduces their risk of arrest or 
detainment by state and local law enforcement.

In November of 2005, the Butte County Department of Public Health 
drafted a proposal to begin issuing the cards with a $56 fee per 
applicant. Unfortunately, the issue was tabled by the Board of 
Supervisors, essentially killing the program.

The county is required by state law to make the cards available.

Once the countyis medical marijuana ID card program is in place, 
officers will be able to verify a patientis legal status in minutes 
by utilizing the statewide database. This program will not only 
further protect patients, it will also free up the valuable time of 
law enforcement officers serving the community. It is for this reason 
that both the County Sheriff and District Attorney support the program.

Our medical marijuana laws have gained broad support across the 
political spectrum. An independent Field Poll conducted in 2004 found 
that 74 percent of voters support the implementation of Californiais 
medical marijuana lawso64 percent of Republicans and 84 percent of Democrats.

The Board of Supervisors should immediately approve the health 
departmentis original plan and resume the medical marijuana ID card program.

The health and safety of local patients depends on it.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake