Pubdate: Sat, 05 May 2007
Source: Burbank Leader (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Burbank Leader
Contact:  http://www.burbankleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/63
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

In Theory:

DEBATING THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Clergy in Illinois are supporting the legalization of medical 
marijuana, arguing that its use in treating pain and nausea 
associated with chemotherapy treatments for cancer, the pain of 
multiple sclerosis and other conditions is moral. What do you think?

I tend to side with the Illinois clergy.

True, some of them may be duped by those who want free pot anywhere 
and everywhere. But I think the relieving of suffering is of 
paramount importance. Also, part of me wants to say, "What's the big 
deal? We have legalized drugs now that we can purchase in our 
supermarkets." I am speaking, of course, of alcohol; we can buy as 
much as we want, and drink as much as we want. I think the same ought 
to be true for marijuana. Maybe there should be a prescription 
attached; I don't know. But why should there be no laws against 
alcohol consumption but stringent laws against marijuana consumption?

The argument might be made that marijuana leads to the consumption of 
stronger drugs, but I'm not sure that assertion can be proven. Does 
the consumption of one drink lead to the consumption of 70? I doubt 
it. Look, an addict is an addict is an addict; I know, because I have 
addiction in my family. A law prohibiting the consumption of 
something will not stop the person determined to have it. Also, the 
war on drugs has not been particularly successful. What do you say we 
relax the anti-marijuana stance for a while in favor of allowing the 
sick and/or the terminally ill a little relief? That and a little 
chicken soup couldn't hurt.

THE REV. C.L. "SKIP" LINDEMAN

Congregational Church of the Lighted Window

United Church of Christ

La Canada Flintridge

The use of mind-altering herbs and plants in order to experience 
religious visions is ancient. Native North Americans used many 
flowers, leaves and roots as part of religious ceremony.

)From the use of peyote in the Southwest to the Rastafarian use of 
Indian hemp in Jamaica, each has used, and still uses today, 
mind-altering herbs and plants for religious rituals.

Scientologists do not practice any use of alcohol, drugs or herbs in 
order to achieve spiritual enlightenment. In fact, Scientologists are 
aware that people today are living in a drug and chemical age wherein 
the use of medicinal, psychiatric and recreational drugs in society 
has reached epidemic proportions. Drugs interfere with perception, 
reduce learning rate, cloud thinking and generally make a person less 
able to cope with life and those around him.

Our founder, L. Ron Hubbard, researched the harmful physical, mental 
and spiritual effects of drugs.

He declared, "The planet has hit a barrier, which prevents any 
widespread social progress -- drugs and other biochemical substances. 
These can put people into a condition, which not only prohibits and 
destroys physical health but which can prevent any stable advancement 
in mental or spiritual well-being."

Since the 1970s, the Church of Scientology has offered a 
detoxification program, which rids a person of pollutants, drug 
residues and toxins in the body and has also supported effective drug 
rehab Narconon programs, which help a person recover fully from 
addictions by addressing the causes of addiction.

Drug-free is the Scientology path to salvation.

CATHERINE EMRANI

Volunteer Minister

Glendale Church of Scientology

Though some will argue that making marijuana available for medical 
purposes is the first step down the slippery slope that will lead to 
the legalization of marijuana for all, the real issue here is 
relieving the suffering of individuals who have either chronic or 
terminal health situations. Doctors prescribe powerful drugs like 
morphine in hospice care and in other situations to address the pain 
of the dying or those recovering from serious illnesses. Morphine and 
other such drugs, though addictive, are dispensed when needed and 
face tough regulations by the Food and Drug Administration.

I have heard the testimony of individuals who claim that medical 
marijuana provides relief to health conditions that other medication 
doesn't offer. A humane society should do all possible to address the 
pain and suffering of its members. The abuse of prescription 
medication by some people does not mean that the relief from pain 
should not be denied to those who benefit from its use. Those opposed 
to the use of medical marijuana might feel different when they 
themselves benefit from its use.

THE REV. PAUL J. HRUBY

Pastor

Church of the Incarnation

Glendale

There is no logical reason for any human being to endure needless pain.

Jewish teachings require us to explore and embrace medical 
innovation, including ways to alleviate pain. Judaism also compels us 
to follow the laws of the land -- and since medicinal marijuana is 
legal in California, it is presumably all right to use for pain relief.

However, I question the usefulness of marijuana for medicinal 
purposes, since I tend to believe that there are other pain-relief 
methods that can be equally effective and pose less of a threat to 
society. I suspect that in states where marijuana is legal, abuse 
becomes commonplace as people who aren't really suffering gain access 
to the drug under false pretenses. And for legitimate patients, there 
is a strong risk that even when the pain subsides, an addiction will 
remain. While this is true of any addictive substance, marijuana can 
be far easier to acquire and can therefore pose a greater challenge 
to a borderline addict.

Religious teachings encourage us to improve ourselves by using our 
minds and tapping into the spiritual energy found within. This 
requires effort through meditation, concentrated study and refinement 
of thought. By contrast, mind-altering drugs effectively hold the 
mind hostage; they undermine our ability to think freely and clearly. 
Rather than promoting a substance like marijuana that can do more 
harm than good, the clergy should encourage those in pain to find a 
safer source of relief.

RABBI SIMCHA BACKMAN

Chabad Jewish Center

It's no secret that my position on this weekly In Theory discussion 
panel is one of conservative Christianity. My readers expect from me 
evaluations from a Biblically Evangelical perspective. Today is no 
different, but eyebrows will raise with some of my constituency 
because this is one of those issues that has been summarily judged 
for non-discussion by many, and I take a risk just weighing in. 
Simply consider this particular article a matter of thinking aloud, 
and that thinking be allowed with regard to the subject.

The controlled substance in question here has been trafficked, 
smuggled and even solicited to children. It's been charged with 
causing dependence, lethargy and stupor. Conversely, it's been hailed 
as a natural, pleasant and helpful herb, which doesn't necessitate 
the societal or physiological ills mentioned.

God made vegetation for our nourishment and healing. We wouldn't 
smoke poison ivy, but we've developed aspirin from willow, salve from 
aloe and most of us awake with coffee. Medical morphine derives from 
poppies, and cocaine (which used to add wallop to colas, but is now 
used as surgical anesthetic) is made from coca leaves. Here is yet 
another vegetable that may have a helpful, albeit controversial, 
place in society's medicine cabinet.

The moral difficulty, I believe, centers on recreational abuse and 
perceived negative side effects. Christians are quick to quote Titus 
2:6 about being "sober-minded" and Ephesians 5:18, "be not drunk." 
Yet, taking medication is almost universally accepted as morally 
unquestionable, and Biblically speaking, alcohol, which may easily 
inebriate, is not forbidden within moderation, and is actually 
prescribed for medicinal purposes (see 1 Timothy 5:23). Look, nobody 
wants a dopey population, but do we want criminals made of friends 
and family who are legitimately seeking remedy from ailments, 
especially over some wildflower that God created perhaps for that very purpose?

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM

Senior Pastor

MontroseCommunity Church.org

Every medication, whether derived naturally from the earth or 
formulated in a lab, has risks and benefits.

One downside of the use of drugs to treat diseases and their symptoms 
is the possibility of physical or psychological addiction. In today's 
society, it is understandable that policy-makers, as well as the 
public, may feel uneasy about legitimizing marijuana, a drug that has 
an insidiously damaging effect on the lives of recreational users. 
But, like other mind-altering substances, such as opiates and 
sedatives, it may prove to be a valuable addition to pharmacopoeia 
when used to treat illness and address discomfort.

Baha'u'llah has offered clear guidance that can be applied to this 
question. He unequivocally forbids the use of alcohol and drugs, 
which "derange the mind," but states that such drugs may be properly 
utilized when prescribed by a qualified physician as a part of 
medical treatment.

In a letter of response to a physician requesting his guidance, 
Baha'u'llah advised him to treat illness by natural means, such as 
diet, whenever possible, but when medication is required, to use it 
judiciously. He wrote, "If you find what is required in a single 
herb, do not resort to a compound."

The controlled use of marijuana in the legitimate treatment of 
disease and alleviation of suffering is as morally correct as the use 
of morphine. Both substances can be misused and can do harm. Both 
substances, in the hands of a compassionate and conscientious 
practitioner, can do good. Baha'i teachings place great importance on 
civil obedience as a means of helping to creating a spiritual 
society. Changes in laws require careful consideration and take time. 
While this particular issue is being hotly debated in the courts and 
the public arena, the use of marijuana remains illegal in most areas. 
We encourage the continued investigation of the facts, and open 
dialogue toward responsible, compassionate and wise decisions.

BARBARA CRAMER

Secretary

Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is

Glendale 
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