Pubdate: Sat, 11 Oct 2008 Source: Detroit Free Press (MI) Copyright: 2008 Detroit Free Press Contact: http://www.freep.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/125 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n908.a04.html Author: Judy Rubin IS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DANGER OR COMPASSION? "Medical" marijuana is a just a ploy to legalize this drug under the guise of legitimate medicine. Since when do we allow a medicine to be administered that has not passed FDA regulations? Since when do we condone smoking of any sort as a way to improve or lessen symptoms of pain or nausea? Since when do we agree to let patients grow their own "medicine"? Since when do we allow a one-size dosage for all? Since when is it OK to condone breaking the law of the land to buy illegal drugs legally? This dangerous initiative is loaded with unintended negative consequences. Passage of this proposal would have devastating effects on the state as a whole, especially the millions of families struggling to raise children in a drug-free environment and addicts battling to break free of the deadly grip of drug addiction. Marinol, the FDA-approved alternative, has all of the ingredients of marijuana and can be administered legally and with the proper dosage. Proponents say it is not the same as smoking the actual weed. Let's look at this as what this really is: druggies who love smoking dope. Judy Rubin Executive director, Tri-Community Coalition, Oak Park - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake