Pubdate: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 Source: Tampa Tribune (FL) Copyright: 2009 The Tribune Co. Contact: http://www2.tbo.com/news/opinion/ Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446 A RATIONAL POLICY ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA For years federal officials have acknowledged that some components of marijuana provide relief to patients undergoing treatment for serious illnesses, yet the government's policy has consistently been to prosecute those who distribute or smoke it for medical reasons. But seven months ago U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said the Obama administration would stop raids on medical marijuana dispensers, and last week he announced a wholesale and welcome change of policy: The federal government will no longer prosecute those who dispense or smoke pot in states that allow marijuana for medicinal use. Whether one believes medical marijuana laws are courageous or misguided, the new policy will bring relief to people who are terribly sick and honors the concept of states' rights Previously the Bush administration, bolstered by Supreme Court rulings emphasizing federal supremacy over state laws, made frequent raids on distributors of medical marijuana in states where it is legal to dispense. It did not matter whether the dispensaries appeared to be complying with state laws. Federal drug laws prevailed. But the Obama Justice Department has rightly decided it is not a good use of time or money to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in the 14 states where it is legal. Significantly, the new policy makes clear that federal authorities will pursue people whose marijuana distribution goes beyond what is permitted under state law or who use medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes. Some Republicans have complained that the new policy condones drug use and is a tactical retreat in the fight against Mexican drug cartels, but that's nonsense. It remains federal policy to curtail the growth, distribution, sale and use of marijuana, and individual states can decide whether to make an exception for medical use. Moreover, prosecutors will have wide discretion to choose which cases to pursue Drug agents have bigger jobs than to go after cancer patients who use marijuana to alleviate their suffering. And conservatives should be pleased that, at least in one area, the Obama administration is willing to let states decide what is best for them. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake