Pubdate: Sun, 19 Oct 2008
Source: Jackson Citizen Patriot (MI)
Copyright: 2008 Jackson Citizen Patriot
Contact: http://www.mlive.com/mailforms/jacitpat/letters/index.ssf
Website: http://www.mlive.com/jacitpat/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1190
Cited: Proposal 1 http://stoparrestingpatients.org/
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

YES ON PROPOSAL 1

Voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether Michigan will become the 13th 
state to decriminalize the use of "medical marijuana." Should anyone 
worry that the state will be overrun with illegal drugs? We do not 
think so. Approve this proposal, and people suffering from cancer or 
other serious diseases will have a new way to cope. Voters ought to 
say yes to Proposal 1.

This proposal allows Michigan residents to possess marijuana legally, 
but only under certain conditions. They must suffer from one of a 
list of medical conditions for which marijuana is proven to offer 
pain relief. They must have a doctor's permission.

As in other states, medical marijuana would be regulated. And users 
would not receive carte blanche to break other laws. They could be 
arrested for distributing this otherwise-illegal drug, or for driving 
under the influence.

This proposal's opponents contend that other pain medications are 
nearly as effective as marijuana, and getting better all the time. 
They argue that putting a stamp of approval on this sends the wrong 
message to children and legitimizes a "gateway drug" to other, more 
addictive illegal drugs.

We disagree. We do not seek to promote marijuana, but most people can 
see the difference between its use for recreation and as pain 
medication for serious, debilitating conditions.

Michigan voters should take a compassionate, common-sense approach 
and vote yes on Proposal 1. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake