Pubdate: Sun, 19 Oct 2008
Source: Battle Creek Enquirer (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Battle Creek Enquirer
Contact: http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/customerservice/contactus.html
Website: http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1359
Cited: Proposal 1 http://stoparrestingpatients.org/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

PROPOSAL 1: MEDICAL MARIJUANA COULD AID SERIOUSLY ILL

Proposal 1 on Michigan's Nov. 4 ballot would allow legal use of 
marijuana for medical purposes. It has stirred surprisingly little 
controversy, despite opposition from many organizations and public 
officials, including Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican 
state Attorney General Michael Cox.

If polls are any indication, most voters see it not as a radical 
measure but rather as a sensible move to allow seriously ill people 
to benefit from marijuana's ability to relieve nausea, pain and other 
symptoms. We agree.

The proposal would allow doctors to recommend marijuana use for 
patients with conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, 
hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis and more. Patients would have to 
register with the state to be able to legally buy, grow and use small 
amounts of marijuana without fear of state penalties. The federal ban 
on marijuana would remain in effect, although Drug Enforcement 
Administration officials have acknowledged that they have greater 
concerns than pursuing federal prosecution of sick people using 
physician-approved marijuana.

Some opponents have said that Proposal 1 would increase Michigan's 
substance abuse problem. We disagree. Marijuana already is easily 
available for those who want to use and abuse it illegally.

But it is not so readily accessible to law-abiding folks who are sick 
and could benefit from its therapeutic effects. Proposal 1 will 
eliminate that barrier, and we think voters should approve it.