Pubdate: Sun, 17 Sep 2006
Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
  Copyright: 2006 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Jim Greig, Americans for Safe Access
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

LIFE WITH DIGNITY?

Earlier this month, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., reaffirmed that he would 
block attempts in the U.S. Senate to derail Oregonians' right to 
doctor-assisted suicide, the Death With Dignity law, saying the 
practice of medicine has historically been left to the states to regulate.

I think of another states' rights issue, and wonder if Oregon's 
medical-marijuana-using patients will ever get to enjoy "Life With 
Dignity." Or do we have to die before we get it?

Medical marijuana patients have had the legal right to grow and 
possess marijuana since 1998, but most patients do not (or cannot) 
grow their own and have no way to legally get their medicine.

Still, after eight years, there is no dispensary system in Oregon to 
allow patients access to the medicine we need.

This November, I hope we can elect compassionate leaders who will 
correct this problem, allow us access to our medicine in 
state-regulated dispensaries, and more important, provide us some 
"Life With Dignity."

Jim Greig

Americans for Safe Access, Eugene
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MAP posted-by: Elaine