Pubdate: Fri, 25 Mar 2011 Source: State Journal-Register (IL) Copyright: 2011 The State Journal-Register Contact: http://service.sj-r.com/forms/letters.asp Website: http://www.sj-r.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/425 Author: Kirk W. Boyenga NO TO MEDICAL MARIJUANA Once again, the Illinois House of Representatives has nothing better to do than consider the legalization of medical marijuana. The bill is fraught with questionable content, such as allowing 2.5 ounces in a two-week period. There is enough there to keep the average pot-head strung out for the whole two weeks, while allowing leftovers for several friends. The legislation also does not address the well-documented increase in crime that will surround marijuana dispensaries. Home rule is ignored in this bill, denying local communities the right to ban dispensaries. Will the state pay local law enforcement costs? Another huge problem is that the bill allows a person to drive four hours after smoking pot. Who is going to watch the clock? It is well known that the body holds THC, the active ingredient in pot, for weeks. No safe level for operation of a motor vehicle has been determined. Furthermore, there is no way currently to determine how much of the chemical is in the blood stream. Who will pick up the costs of those added motor vehicle accidents? This bill has nothing to do with the medical treatment of serious illness and everything to do with the eventual full legalization of a drug that is very costly to society. If there is medical value in pot, let the researchers prove it through well-executed double-blind studies. When are Illinois legislators going to figure out that the state is broke and state-funded pensions are out of control? Now is the time to get serious about serious problems, instead of working on legislation that will compound our woes and deepen our debt. Kirk W. Boyenga Springfield - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.