Pubdate: Tue, 06 Jul 1999
Source: National Enquirer (US)
Copyright: 1999 National Enquirer
Contact:  http://www.nationalenquirer.com/
Author: Paul Bannister

SHE'S 1ST PERSON IN U.S. WITH A LICENSE TO BE A POTHEAD

Jeanelle Bluhm has a license to smoke dope -- she's the first person in the
U.S. with an official permit to use marijuana. "I don't call it pot or
grass -- I call it herb," said Jeanelle, 47, a multiple sclerosis patient.

"I've no time for pharmaceuticals to control stress or help me deal with
muscle spasms, not when there's a natural herb I can use.

"I'm using my green thumb to grow and can some veggies -- and to put some
marijuana into Ziploc bags!"

Under new laws that went into effect May 21, Oregon residents afflicted by
HIV, severe pain, glaucoma, nausea, seizures or muscle spasms can use
marijuana to alleviate their symptoms.

"To let law enforcement officers have a clear line between who's qualified
to have marijuana and who's not, Oregonians voted for a law to issue
permits," explained Geoff Sugerman, director of a pro-marijuana group
called Oregonians for Medical Rights.

"Patients whose doctors recommend them for marijuana use can grow their own
or can designate a caregiver as the grower. They can own seven ounces of
pot legally."

Jeanelle, a former nurse, was first diagnosed with MS -- a debilitating
disease of the nervous system -- in 1982. By 1996 she was racked by spasms
so strong they could toss her off a couch.

She admits she began using marijuana illegally twice a day to ease her
symptoms. Then she joined a grass roots campaign that helped convince
voters to approve the law allowing licensed use of the drug, which can't be
smoked in public places or while driving.

About 150 people have applied for the laminated pot permit, which costs
$150 a year. And Jeanelle was the first to be approved, receiving license
No. 00001.

"It allows me a better quality of life," she added. "I'm 00001 -- an agent
for change!"

[sidebar]
FAST FACTS: An estimated 77 million Americans ages 12 and over have used an
illegal drug.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake