Pubdate: Fri, 25 May 2007
Source: News-Times, The (Danbury, CT)
Copyright: 2007 The News-Times
Contact:  http://www.newstimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/637
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

CONNECTICUT SHOULD ALLOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA

There is controversy involved in the use of marijuana  for medical 
purposes, with opponents insisting that  legalization is a slippery 
slope that will encourage  the use of illegal drugs.

For those who suffer from debilitating illnesses and  have used 
marijuana to ease their condition, this is  about freedom and 
compassion. They don't think police  and lawmakers should be able to 
label them criminals.

Connecticut has struggled with this issue over the  years. In 1981, 
it adopted one of the first medical  marijuana laws in the nation. 
The law allows a  physician to prescribe marijuana to relieve nausea 
from chemotherapy and eye pressure from glaucoma.

But this law is unworkable. Under federal law,  physicians who 
prescribe marijuana risk having their  right to prescribe drugs 
revoked as well as being sent  to prison.

This year, the legislature is considering another  approach. A bill 
would allow a physician to certify  that an adult patient would 
benefit from the use of  marijuana. After registering with the state 
Department  of Consumer Protection, the patient and the patient's 
primary caregiver could grow, indoors, no more than  four marijuana plants.

It is heartbreaking to hear patients and their loved  ones begging 
for the legal right to the relief that  marijuana provides to some patients.

A carefully regulated program will allow them to get  the help, the 
freedom, they request in a compassionate  and legal manner.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman