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MEDICAL MARIJUANA STILL MUST BE PROVEN

Perhaps Jim Miller, as he says, has too much time on his hands, perhaps he has been around the marijuana issue too long or perhaps his terrible loss has overcome him so that his memory fails him, but I can assure you that debating him was and is fine with me.  I would point out however, that we already did just that, on live television, on News Channel 12, the program was "At Issue," hosted by Chuck Lampkin.  I would be happy to provide the Observer or any other organization a copy of the tape of that debate.

On that day, I indicated that I would be happy to see marijuana studied for any potential medical benefits.  Jim indicated that his wife used both synthetic marijuana or marijuana that she ate.  He made wild allegations that his wife, who even then was in terrible physical shape ( and for whom I stated my great compassion ) would be arrested for distribution because of the amount she possessed; I noted that we would never do that but at worst she could be fined.

Further, I noted that if any legitimate studies proved that marijuana was a reasonable medical product I would be in favor of legalizing it for medicinal purposes.  At the same time, I pointed out that there were no such studies.  He then made a somewhat irrational argument saying that the study on multiple sclerosis I alluded to during the debate and which stated the opposite, was not done honestly by the doctors.

In fact he stated that "Terrence and I do agree on the fact that we need studies," but then went on to state that "it can't be studied." These kinds of illogical and irrational arguments do not benefit those seeking an honest review of marijuana as medicine.

Simply put, I defy Jim or anyone also to look at that tape or any other statements I have made and say that I exhibited anything but great concern and compassion for Cheryl Miller and her condition.

Terrence P Farley

First Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor

Director, Ocean County Narcotics Strike Force