Pubdate: Fri, 13 May 2005
Source: Times Union (Albany, NY)
storyID=360102&category=OPINION&newsdate=5/13/2005
Copyright: 2005 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact:  http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

SEN. BRUNO IS RIGHT

The Senate Majority Leader Lends Support To Medicinal Marijuana Legislation

As the state capital, Albany regularly attracts scores of special interest 
groups seeking to influence legislators on a wide range of issues. But now 
and then, the lawmakers can become special interests of their own, and for 
the best of reasons. Often it is because a life-altering experience gives 
the lawmaker a new perspective on an issue that, beforehand, had been an 
abstraction. Such is the case with Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, 
R-Brunswick, who has added his voice to those seeking a medicinal marijuana 
bill in New York state.

We have long supported such legislation, and we applaud Mr. Bruno's 
comments Wednesday as the draft of a bipartisan bill to legalize marijuana 
for seriously ill patients was announced by Sen. Vincent Leibell, 
R-Brewster, and Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, D-Manhattan. If only Gov. 
George Pataki would listen. Regrettably, he already has signaled his 
opposition.

Opponents of state medical marijuana laws claim they are a dangerous first 
step toward legalizing the drug for the general population. They continue 
to characterize marijuana as a gateway drug that leads to the eventual 
abuse of heroin, cocaine and other harder drugs. And they continue to 
insist there are prescription medications that are just as effective as 
marijuana in easing pain.

But supporters of legalization have long demolished these claims. For one 
thing, physicians have long prescribed morphine, cocaine and other pain 
killers without opening the door to rampant abuse among the public. Why 
can't the same tight regulations be applied to marijuana use?

Nor is it possible for everyone who suffers from chronic pain to find 
relief in a prescription. Just ask the television talk show host Montel 
Williams, who has used marijuana for years to cope with multiple sclerosis 
and who was in Albany on Wednesday to urge passage of a New York medicinal 
marijuana law.

Mr. Bruno has new insight on this issue because he has weathered a bout 
with prostate cancer. As he remarked Wednesday, he knows how difficult it 
is to live "day-to-day with a painful, life-threatening illness." So do 
countless others who have searched in vain for prescription pain relief, 
only to find the one drug that can help them, marijuana, is beyond their reach.

While the Legislature has debated medical marijuana legislation in the 
past, this is the first time there is legislation in both the Senate and 
Assembly. That's a hopeful sign that passage could come soon. As for Mr. 
Pataki, he should listen to Mr. Bruno, who knows -- firsthand -- whereof he 
speaks.
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MAP posted-by: Beth