Pubdate: 03 Feb 2012 
Source: Jamaica Plain Gazette (MA)
Contact:  2012 Jamaica Plain Gazette
Website: http://jamaicaplaingazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5326
Author: Andrea Cherez

MASS. FALLS BEHIND ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

I was really disheartened to see that state Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez
continues to block relief to some of his most hurting constituents
and, for that matter, the entire state. ("Sanchez to halt medical pot
bill," Jan. 20.)

One of my close friends has been suffering with cancer for years; his
pain management is greatly complicated due to contraindications with
the many drugs he needs to take for secondary conditions. His doctors
have told him they would definitely prescribed medical marijuana for
pain management, anti-nausea and appetite improvement as soon as it's
legalized in the state because of its efficacy and lack of
interference with the rest of his necessary medical regimen. But for
now, tough. My friend continues to suffer. He's not willing to buy pot
on the street, nor is he even able to walk down the street.

Because of Rep. Sanchez's unwillingness to be a little more courageous
on this issue, many remain in pain. And our representative doesn't
even have to lead the way. Presently, almost one-third of our country
(16 out of 50 states--32 percent) has legalized medical marijuana.

A recent Gallup poll found that medical marijuana legalization is
supported by a majority of independent voters, a majority of people in
Western states, a majority of people in Eastern states, a majority of
people in the Midwest, and 44 percent of Americans in Southern states.
Again, 16 states and the District of Columbia have already legalized
medical marijuana, which is used to treat nausea and pain in such
diseases as cancer and AIDS. Fourteen states have decriminalized
marijuana for personal use. And two states (Washington and Colorado)
could vote on legalizing and regulating marijuana like alcohol in
November of 2012. But, Sanchez told the Gazette, he remains concerned
about how those laws conflict with the federal ban on pot.

It is clear that federal law needs to be updated to allow states to go
their own way and do what is best for their citizens without fear of
federal intervention. A bill filed in Congress, H.R. 2306, repeals
federal marijuana prohibition in a way similar to the repeal of
alcohol Prohibition. The federal government would stop interfering in
states that choose to regulate marijuana instead of prohibiting it,
while making it illegal to transport marijuana into a state that
prohibits it. The bill has been sponsored by Rep. Barney Frank and has
20 co-sponsors, including our congressman, Michael Capuano. (Big
thanks to both of them!)

But we in Massachusetts need to do our part to keep the ball rolling
toward a more enlightened marijuana policy. This means that we need to
add one more state, our state, to the list of those that support
compassion, common knowledge and common sense on this issue. Instead,
one state representative is leaving our Commonwealth in the dust.

To continue hearing concerns over the federal ban on marijuana, in
light of all the progress throughout the United States, is, here in
Massachusetts, unbelievable! What is the real reason for this
head-in-the-sand approach?

Andrea Cherez

Jamaica Plain
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