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.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom