Pubdate: Thu, 22 May 2008
Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
Copyright: 2008 Newark Morning Ledger Co
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Joe Donohue

LAWMAKERS DEBATE LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Multiple sclerosis patients and others urged state  lawmakers today to
legalize the use of marijuana in New  Jersey to ease suffering, but
others warned the  practice could spur more drug abuse.

"We all are living proof that this is effective. This  is common
sense," said Scott Ward of Robbinsville, a  multiple sclerosis (MS)
patient and former Marine who  said minimal daily use of marijuana has
made drastic  improvements in his qualify of life.

Ward was one of several advocates who testified before  the Assembly
Health and Senior Services Committee. They  spoke in favor of a bill
(A-804) that would given  special legal protection to victims of
serious illness  who smoke marijuana to ease their pain or symptoms.

The  committee did not vote on the issue -- it was the first
legislative hearing ever on the subject -- and  Assemblyman Reed
Gusciora (D-Mercer) said he will  consider changes and consult with
Assembly leaders  before deciding his next step.

"This doesn't make marijuana rampant in society," said  Gusciora, who
is also a municipal prosecutor. "Medical  marijuana should be a last
resort when all other drugs  do not work."

Twelve states have legalized the practice, while two  others have
reduced criminal penalties. The federal  government still considers
marijuana use a crime even  in those 14 states, but the assemblyman
said most  federal prosecutions involve major pushers.

David Evans, a Flemington attorney and a cancer  survivor who once
endorsed the practice, said he now  believes the medicinal use
movement is a front for  groups who want broader legalization of marijuana.

"You might do more harm by passing this bill than by  not passing this
bill," he said.

A representative of the National Council on Alcoholism  and Drug
Dependence-New Jersey also voiced concern,  saying the Food and Drug
Administration has refused to  approve the practice, because officials
there remained  dubious about health benefits and fearful of potential
  for abuse.

"Allowing marijuana to be used for medical purposes  will lead to
increased access and perceived  availability to those that are not
authorized to use  it," said Candice Singer.
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