Pubdate: Sat, 19 Jan 2013
Source: Daily Vidette (IL Edu)
Copyright: 2013 Daily Vidette
Contact:  http://www.dailyvidette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/666
Author: Holly Petrovich

AUTHORITIES EXPRESS CONCERN ON MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

Another medical marijuana bill has been introduced to the Illinois
General Assembly in Springfield after being vetoed previously. If
passed, concern of illegal activity on campus has been raised by ISU
authorities.

Chief of Police for the ISU Police Department Aaron Woodruff said
illegally selling prescription drugs to other students is already a
problem on campus. He is concerned this problem will worsen if this
law is passed.

"It's a problem that's hard to get a handle on because a lot of
students have it legally, and those students find it as an easy way to
make money," Woodruff explained. "It's hard to tell who's using it
correctly or not and it's not a typical illicit drug where there's
other paraphernalia around that show its abuse."

Although the purpose for legalizing this drug would be for medical
use, if used incorrectly, the consequences could be very serious.

Along with Woodruff's concern for the illegal distribution of the
drug, Bobbie Stevens, Student Health Services nursing supervisor,
explains her concern on the situation as being harmful to students'
health.

Stevens said using any drug not prescribed to the specific person is
potentially dangerous. With the legalization of marijuana, the risks
will only worsen.

"Taking illegal or legal medications your medical professional is not
aware of can end in serious to fatal results," Stevens said.

"It is extremely important to only take medication that is prescribed
to you from your provider as intended," she added.

The Student Health Services will take the same course of action for
all prescription drugs in order to control the misuse of marijuana if
the law is passed.

"There are currently processes in place to limit, manage and minimize
fraud of using prescribed, controlled substances," she explained.

Although there is not much known about the law yet, Woodruff said
marijuana is going to be strictly for medical use.

His concern is if the restrictions are not well thought out, it could
easily harm students on campus.

"I think in other states the problem is that sometimes it's passed,
and they haven't thought out all the implications of legalizing
cannabis," he explained. "Whether it's for prescription medical use or
even certain amounts for personal use, there is some long-term impact
that still needs to be looked at."

Overall, he says that the ISU Law Enforcement is opposed to the idea.
Until the drug is legalized, they will continue to handle everything
how they typically do.

If passed, action will be taken on campus based on how the law is
worded 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D