Pubdate: Fri, 24 Feb 2012
Source: Taunton Daily Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2012 Taunton Daily Gazette
Contact:  http://www.tauntongazette.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2750
Author: James Deblois
Note: James DeBlois, of Rehoboth, is a Masters of Social Work 
candidate at Bridgewater State University.

MASS. SHOULD LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

As a cancer survivor, I have personally witnessed the pain and
suffering associated with chronic and terminal illness. As a
Massachusetts resident and taxpayer, I believe it is long overdue that
we pass medical marijuana laws as other states have. Marijuana
increases the quality of life for those suffering from chronic and
terminal illness and the tax increases will benefit everyone in
Massachusetts.

The National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine found that
marijuana benefited individuals who suffered from physically
devastating medical conditions.

As a result, marijuana laws now make it legal to use the drug to treat
the suffering associated with certain illnesses. These laws ensure
that patients suffering with medical illness are protected against
arrest and prosecution along with their physicians and care givers.
What we have now are pharmaceutical companies that pander to agencies
that profit by providing overpriced medications that have more side
effects than treatment possibilities.

We need only to look at other states that are already reaping the
benefits of legalization. According to the Gazette in Colorado
Springs, taxes brought in tens of thousands of dollars per month: In
April 2010 alone, sales were in the amount of $1.6 million.

This doesn't take into account the ripple effect it could have here as
it did in Colorado where an increase in construction of facilities
created more jobs for electricians, laborers and other
construction-related occupations. TIME, a partnership of CNN Money,
stated that in March 2011 alone, San Jose, Calif. brought in $290,000
in tax revenue, further demonstrating the benefits marijuana brings to
local communities. CNN Money estimated that Massachusetts could bring
in as much as $18.4 million annually.

This is a prime opportunity to advocate for the legalization of
marijuana for medical use and follow in the footsteps of the 16 other
states. Contact The Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition at
http://www.masscann.org/.

They can help get you involved in supporting the issue. Contact your
Massachusetts senator and representative to ask that they support Bill
No. H3885: The Petition for an Act for the Humanitarian Medical Use of
Marijuana Bill.
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.