Pubdate: Sun, 21 Dec 2003
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2003 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Richard Glen Boire
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1931/a07.html
Cited: Drug Enforcement Administration ( www.dea.gov )
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

A PEOPLE'S VICTORY IN THE WAR ON DRUGS

Re "Medical Pot Users Win Key Ruling," Dec. 17: The U.S. 9th Circuit Court 
of Appeals' medical marijuana decision is really big news. Finally, a 
federal court is willing to clear the sick off the war-on-drugs 
battlefield. The decision is momentous not only for medical marijuana users 
but for how it may very well define the overall reach of federal power 
under the commerce clause. It's important for the federal government to be 
reminded -- from its own courts -- that it has no general police power. 
This decision sends just such a reminder. Let's hope that the Supreme Court 
affirms the 9th Circuit's decision and tells the Drug Enforcement 
Administration to stop arresting sick people.

Richard Glen Boire, Davis, Calif.
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