Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jan 2005
Source: Gloucester County Times (NJ)
Copyright: 2005 Gloucester County Times
Contact:  http://www.gctimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1153
Author: Terrence Dopp
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

ADVOCATES PUSH FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA USE

TRENTON -- In a move anti-drug activists called counterproductive to
their cause, advocates renewed their quest Tuesday to legalize
medicinal marijuana in New Jersey.

The legalization calls came moments after the Partnership for a
Drug-Free New Jersey touted successes in fighting teen use of illicit
drugs by enhancing communication between parents and children.

Some researchers and supporters of prescription cannabis argue it can
cure glaucoma, ease the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis and
reverse "wasting disorders" such as cancer and AIDS.

Legislation is pending in the Senate and Assembly that would legalize
a medical form of marijuana if prescribed by physicians to patients
with those diseases or other conditions that left them with severe and
chronic pain or nausea. Eligible patients would need to enroll in a
state registry of those with access to the drug.

Officials with the administration of acting Gov. Richard Codey put up
opposition to the proposal.

"It is counter to what we're trying to do, but until we read the bill
it would be foolhardy for us to say we are for it or against it," said
Joseph Miele, chairman and founder of the Partnership for a Drug-Free
New Jersey, as well as the chairman of the Governor's Council On
Alcoholism And Drug Abuse.

Codey has also come out against the proposal, dubbed the Compassionate
Use Medical Marijuana Act.

Currently, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada,
Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Montana have passed medicinal
marijuana laws; the federal government has opposed all of them.

Ken Wolski, director of the New Jersey Coalition for Medical
Marijuana, said the federal government has been "irrationally opposed"
to such laws, resistance he called cruel to those suffering from
serious diseases.

"These patients are suffering without it. It can save lives and it can
prolong lives," said Wolski, a registered nurse of 30 years. "It's
really criminal to prevent its use."

In November the American Association of Retired Persons released
results of a telephone survey that found three-quarters of Americans
45 or older support administering medical marijuana. In the Northeast,
79 percent of respondents told AARP that they support edificial
initiatives.

Assemblyman Robert Smith, a municipal prosecutor who often deals with
drug-related cases, said he is in favor of allowing some medicinal use
of tablets containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the drug's active ingredient.

Smith said he could see why Miele and others see it is a double
standard but is not swayed by that argument.

Doctors can administer addictive medications such as Oxycontin and
Percoset, he said, adding both can be dangerously misused.

"As a prosecutor, I don't have kids in court who are shoplifting to
support a marijuana problem. It's typically heroin and cocaine. That's
not to downplay the seriousness of the illegal use of marijuana," said
Smith, D-4 of Washington Township.

"It has the potential of having a conflicting message but physicians
are presently prescribing drugs ... that are a lot more addictive."

Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon/Warren, said he does
not hold high prospects for legalized THC clearing the
Legislature.

"I don't believe there will be a great deal of support within the
Republican caucus," Lance said. "I'm reluctant to legalize marijuana.
But I would be willing to listen."

No hearings or debate on the bill has been scheduled in either house
of the Legislature.

According to the partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, parents in
the Garden State with a 12- to 15-year-old child reported speaking to
them about drugs at least 25 times in the past year.

These talks are often spurred by advertisements warning of the dangers
posed to youngsters by drugs and alcohol, according to the
partnership.
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MAP posted-by: Derek