Pubdate: Wed, 25 Jun 2003
Source: Press, The (OH)
Copyright: 2003 The Press, Metro Press
Contact:  http://www.presspublications.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2511
Author: Jim White

A CRUCIAL BILL

Dear Editor,

This month, democratic state representative Kenneth Carano, will introduce 
a safe access to medical marijuana bill in an effort to comfort and protect 
Ohio's weakest and most vulnerable citizens from arrest and imprisonment 
for using marijuana when it is prescribed by their physician.

The bill would establish a patient registry, which would issue 
identification cards to patients and caregivers so that law enforcement can 
better identify legitimate patients. The process involves the Ohio 
Department of Health, and it's regulatory process in determining which 
medical conditions would be eligible for the use of cannabis as a treatment 
option.

Chris Redfern, Democratic minority leader in the Ohio House has 
consistently refused through his aid to meet with a group of Ohio patients, 
represented by the Ohio Patient Network, who are seeking safe access to 
cannabis for medical purposes.

There are essentially two sides to this issue, you either support the 
prosecution and imprisonment of sick and dying cancer or AIDS patients as 
well as those suffering other chronic or terminal conditions, or you don't.

Surveys in Ohio have demonstrated bipartisan support for the bill at 80%. 
Few lawmakers however have the fortitude to stand up and represent those 
eighty percent, fearing the opposing party will use it as an election 
issue, citing their opponents "soft on crime" approach.

Arresting medical patients who aren't criminals for seeking relief from 
pain and suffering isn't "tough on crime" it is however, sadistic torture 
as far as patient are concerned.

Unfortunately the public doesn't buy that anymore, the voting public is 
well aware that science has established that marijuana is and has been an 
effective medicine for certain conditions.

A recent report by the U.S. General Accounting Office determined that in 
states where the medical use of marijuana was permitted, had no significant 
on law enforcements ability to enforce laws against recreational use.

If Mr. Redfern opposes the bill, patients in his district will wonder why 
he wants to arrest and imprison them, instead of standing up for their 
rights as human beings to have the best available treatment - which for 
some is cannabis.

Where Mr. Redfern stands on this issue is unclear, but either he stands 
with 80% of Ohioans who support medical marijuana, or he stands with some 
rather confused and sadistic fanatics who would rather prosecute a dying 
patient than offer simple safe access to a natural drug that helps them.

Jim White  Oregon, OH
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom