Pubdate: Mon, 20 Oct 2003
Source: Hartford Courant (CT)
Copyright: 2003 The Hartford Courant
Contact:  http://www.ctnow.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/183
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Conant (Walters v. Conant)

A THERAPEUTIC DECISION

Eight states from Maine to California authorize the use of marijuana for 
medical purposes, including relief for victims of multiple sclerosis and 
symptoms of AIDS. Technically, Connecticut permits doctors to prescribe 
marijuana for the "treatment of glaucoma or the side effects of 
chemotherapy," but none has dared do so.

That's because state policies contradict federal law, which classifies 
marijuana as an illegal substance. This conflict has kept many doctors from 
prescribing the drug for fear of being punished with the loss of 
prescription privileges, which are controlled by the federal Drug 
Enforcement Administration.

Mercifully, the U.S. Supreme Court has made it safer for doctors to give 
patients beneficial advice about marijuana without penalty. The court has 
let stand a Ninth Circuit appeals court ruling. Under the ruling, doctors 
may not be investigated, threatened or punished by federal regulators for 
recommending the drug.

This enlightened decision should send a message to the federal government 
that it should not interfere with state laws on this subject. By separating 
politics from medicine, the appeals court ruling implies that the decision 
to use marijuana for medicinal purposes should be between doctor and patient.

Connecticut should reopen its debate on the subject. A measure authorizing 
the use of marijuana for legitimate medical purposes died in the House last 
session. The bill would have allowed patients, with their doctor's 
sanction, to cultivate a limited number of plants.

It seems hypocritical to bar medical marijuana that can work better in some 
cases than powerful prescription painkillers now prescribed by doctors to 
alleviate suffering.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom