Pubdate: Mon, 02 Jun 2008 Source: Asbury Park Press (NJ) Copyright: 2008 Asbury Park Press Contact: http://www.app.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/26 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) TIME TO SNUFF REEFER MADNESS In 1936, the film "Reefer Madness" told America that marijuana would turn users into homicidal maniacs. More than seven decades later, it turns out the real madness is preventing seriously ill men and women from availing themselves of a substance that can relieve pain and restore some measure of control and dignity to their lives. The state Legislature is attempting to put an end to that kind of hysteria with the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, which would allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Eleven states have such laws on the books. Gov. Corzine has said he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Lawmakers in Trenton should make that happen and encourage federal lawmakers to reclassify marijuana so doctors -- now prohibited from prescribing it -- would be able to do so. Desperately ill patients across the state living with glaucoma, multiple sclerosis and the debilitating effects of chemotherapy should be given every reasonable opportunity to secure relief. The arguments raised against the medical use of marijuana seem as thin and wispy as smoke itself. Among them: All the science is not yet in on the efficacy of pot to alleviate symptoms. Maybe. But there are many studies indicating cannabis has beneficial effects for some patients. Possible lung damage from smoking marijuana outweighs any possible benefits. That's like saying we shouldn't put out a house fire because the water might damage the rugs inside. Those pushing to allow the use of marijuana for medical reasons are simply looking for a backdoor way to legalize it. It's absurd to suggest people going blind from glaucoma or vomiting from chemotherapy are smoking marijuana just for fun. They are simply trying to find a way to ease their pain. The proposed bill is not perfect. Patients would have to procure their own supply of marijuana since doctors can't prescribe it. But the law would give patients protection from prosecution by state and local authorities. The Legislature should see to it that Corzine has the opportunity to make the bill law. "Reefer Sanity" should have its day. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom