Pubdate: Fri, 23 May 2008
Source: Asbury Park Press (NJ)
Contact:  2008 Asbury Park Press
Website: http://www.app.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/26
Author: Michael Rispoli
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

ADVOCATES SPEAK FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The 12-drug cocktail Scott Ward was prescribed to help deal with his 
multiple sclerosis knocked him out so much that he couldn't even get 
out of bed.

"I would just sit there, not being able to move, practically drooling 
on myself," said Ward.

The 25-year-old Rutgers graduate and former Marine found the only 
thing that made the pain go away was marijuana but was "apprehensive" 
about using it and getting in trouble with the law. But the illegal 
drug, said Ward, was the only drug that gave him the ability to function.

"I could get up and walk around. I couldn't do that on the medicine 
the doctors prescribed to me," said Ward, of Robbinsville.

Along with Ward's, a host of similar stories were shared with the 
Assembly health committee Thursday, with lawmakers again 
contemplating whether to make New Jersey the 13th state in the nation 
to legalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes.

Opposed by anti-drug advocacy groups, the bill would allow doctors to 
prescribe use of the drug for those suffering with debilitating 
medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis. 
The bipartisan bill was not voted on Thursday after a discussion that 
was more of a gauge to see where lawmakers stand on the issue and 
talk about its possible implementation, said sponsor Assemblyman Reed 
Gusciora, D-Mercer.

"Any time we can give people the opportunity to lead a productive 
life, we should encourage that and also facilitate that," said 
Gusciora. "This is not to make marijuana rampant in society, but 
simply after being prescribed by a physician for treatment of the 
most debilitating diseases that we have."

Identification cards to prevent prosecution for carrying the illegal 
substance would be issued to patients or adult caregivers prescribed 
marijuana. Those prescribed the drug would have to enter into a 
state-run database.

The bill was met by strong opposition from anti-drug advocacy groups, 
who spoke of potential abuse, negative health effects and ulterior 
motives by groups advocating its legalization.

"First rule of medicine is do no harm. ... There is at least 
reasonable doubt that you might do more harm by passing this bill 
than not passing this bill," said David Evans, executive director of 
the New Jersey Drug Free Schools coalition, who argued groups 
supporting the bill are using it as "a lever for legalizing 
marijuana" for all citizens.

Drug Policy Alliance state director Roseanne Scotti, who supports the 
bill, said she would not address the allegations, but prior to the 
meeting Scotti discussed similar arguments that the bill was a front 
to legalize drugs.

"These are seriously ill people. This is about compassion and 
relieving suffering, nothing else," Scotti said.

There is no mechanism in the proposal, however, allowing for a 
distribution system or for the state to grow marijuana plants, which 
several committee members voiced concerns about because of the 
illicit means that would have to be used to obtain it.

Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, D-Hudson, suggested to the committee that 
before the bill starts moving through the Legislature "we come up 
with at least a pilot program of distribution so we are not putting 
people in harm's way having to obtain it."

Lawmakers discussed ideas such as being able to obtain marijuana at a 
pharmacy or through marijuana cooperatives such as ones in 
California, but Gusciora said he did not favor marijuana shops or cooperatives.

Studies have shown marijuana use can have positive effects on 
relieving pain and nausea, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
has not given its approval.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom