Pubdate: Sat, 03 Apr 1999
Date: 04/03/1999
Source: Anchorage Daily News (AK)
Author: Mark Chryson

The Alaskan Independence Party would like to express its opposition to
Senate Bill 94. We feel that this bill is little short of an attempt
by elements within the Legislature to back door the Alaska voter.

The Alaskan Independence Party does not advocate or condone the use of
marijuana or any other recreational drug. However, used medicinally,
cannabis  has been shown effective in relieving the discomfort of a
wide range of medical  problems. Medical marijuana, in the hands of a
licensed practitioner, is in  some cases an acceptable alternative
drug.

In this last election, by an overwhelming margin, the voters of the
state of Alaska OK'd the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The
medical marijuana  law as it stands appears to be a well-crafted,
well-thought-out law with  distinct limitations and safeguards for
patients, care givers and the average  citizen of Alaska.

SB 94 removes many of the safeguards for both the patients and care
givers. It removes the safeguards that ensure the privacy of both the
patient and care giver by allowing excessive access to their records.

SB 94 unnecessarily expands the criteria required for the registration
of a patient or care giver. It thereby possibly limits access to
medicinal marijuana  for those most in need of the relief provided by
cannabis.

Our major objection to SB 94 is that it contains unnecessary
emendation to a law already ratified by the voters of the state of
Alaska in an overwhelming manner. Despite our reservations concerning
the use of drugs, we must acknowledge that the people have spoken and
accept and respect their decision.

Mark Chryson, chairman John Fields, vice chairman Alaskan Independence
Party