Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Baltimore Sun (MD)
Copyright: 2002 The Baltimore Sun, a Times Mirror Newspaper.
Contact:  http://www.sunspot.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37
Author: Bruce Mirken
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PUBLIC SUPPORTS MEDICAL USE OF MARIJUANA

A new poll taken in Maryland Jan. 9-12 underlines what many of us 
knew already: The public supports the right of patients to use 
marijuana for medical purposes, and legislators can act to protect 
patients without risking trouble at election time.

The poll, conducted by Gonzales/Arscott Research and Communications, 
found that 37 percent of Maryland voters would be more likely to vote 
for a candidate who supports protecting medical marijuana patients 
while only 18 percent would be less likely to support such a 
candidate. Forty percent said a candidate's position on the issue 
would have no effect. Men, women, whites, blacks, Democrats, 
Republicans and independents all said they would be more likely to 
vote for a candidate who supports protecting medical marijuana 
patients.

This jibes with everything we know about voter sentiment on medical 
marijuana. In every state where protection for patients has been on 
the ballot, it has passed by a large margin. Local, state and 
national polls have consistently shown strong public support.

Maryland legislators will soon get another chance to protect patients 
who need marijuana to relieve symptoms associated with cancer, 
multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other terrible illnesses. Now that they 
know they have nothing to fear, one can only hope they will do the 
right thing.

Bruce Mirken
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MAP posted-by: Josh