Pubdate: Mon, 10 Mar 2008
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2008 Helena Independent Record
Contact:  http://helenair.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187
Author: Tom Daubert

ERRORS IN STORY

Some errors deserve correcting regarding your recent article about the ACLU
workshop, "Pain as a Civil Liberties Issue: How the 'Drug War' Affects
Doctors, Patients and You."

First, the recent "bust" of a marijuana grow operation outside Dillon
did not involve federal agents but the Southwest Montana Drug Task
Force. Such task forces are funded by federal tax dollars, but not
directed by the feds per se.

Your article also cited Patients & Families United as having helped
develop Montana's medical marijuana law. While it's true that I and
others involved in our group participated in the 2004 initiative
drafting and campaign, Patients & Families United didn't itself exist
until early 2007.

Finally, your article gave the impression that the pain workshop at
the ACLU meeting focused almost solely on the Dillon patient's
situation. But four other medical marijuana patients from around the
state also spoke. In addition, the first half of the workshop featured
Dr. Randale Sechrest of the Spine & Pain Center in St. Patrick's
Hospital. Dr. Sechrest has no involvement in medical marijuana issues,
but spoke on how the "drug war" deters doctors from truly helping
people in pain.

Tom Daubert,

Patients & Families United
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MAP posted-by: Derek