Pubdate: Tue, 07 Aug 2012
Source: Arizona Republic (Phoenix, AZ)
Copyright: 2012 The Arizona Republic
Website: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24

MEDICAL POT IS HERE TO STAY, LIKE IT OR NOT

Medical marijuana? What's to like?

The concept starts by elevating a street drug to the level of
therapeutic pharmaceutical. There's the canard about how pot is just
another "natural" choice for patients, like herbal tea.

But despite our misgivings, and those of the state's prosecutors and
sheriffs, medical marijuana is the law. Arizona voters approved it, in
2010, and their votes should mean something.

Gov. Jan Brewer has little choice but to reject law enforcement's
calls to stop the program.

The state Department of Health Services has worked hard to set up a
system that will limit use to those who say marijuana relieves their
symptoms.

Today, a state lottery will determine who gets the first licenses
granted in Arizona to sell marijuana. It is the culmination of a long
and diligent process to keep this program from becoming a complete
sham.

Yes, there are people whose medical symptoms are helped by marijuana.
The same could be said of a hot toddy. Marijuana is not a recognized
medicine with standard doses and controlled, uniform potency.

Only the naive could fail to recognize the ultimate goal of
medical-marijuana laws is legalization of the drug. That should be
debated openly on its merits, not by pretending pot is medicine.

Prosecutors and sheriffs say they expect federal officials to snuff
dispensaries as soon as they open. A U.S. Justice Department spokesman
says that's inaccurate. But when pressed for a definitive answer about
jeopardy for state employees, the Justice Department shilly-shallied.
Disgraceful.

The program could become a stoner's dream. The state could wind up in
federal court. These are among possible unpleasant side effects of a
lousy law.

There's plenty to dislike here. But Arizona has done its best to
implement the voters' will. Only a court can stop it now.
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MAP posted-by: Matt