Pubdate: Sun, 08 Feb 2009 Source: Negros Chronicle (Philippines) Contact: 2009 The Negros Chronicle Website: http://www.negroschronicle.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4987 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) SOLONS: STUDY TO ANNUL MARIJUANA BAN ABSURD Negros Oriental's three district representatives are unanimous in declaring "they won't even think about sponsoring or taking the initiative of introducing to the House Representatives a proposal that would express the need to take a second hard look on decriminalizing marijuana use." Since a law has declared marijuana an illegal drug, the use, manufacture and possession of such are punishable by law, which can only be overturned if another law will be passed by Congress which decriminalizes it. Rep. George Arnaiz of the 2nd District and Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District) both branded the proposal as foolish and ludicrous. Arnaiz criticized Dumaguete City Councilor Dr. Noel De Jesus for proposing to decriminalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes. He said that in most countries marijuana has been made illegal after it was proven to do more harm than good. Although 3rd District Rep. Pryde Henry Teves is keeping an open mind of the possibility that marijuana can be tapped to cure some illnesses yet he still wants De Jesus to convince him that the positive effects of marijuana use far outweigh the negative ones and that it can be administered not through smoking in tablet or liquid form. - --- MAP posted-by: Doug