LEGALIZE MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USES

Opponents of marijuana decriminalization often propose the
alternative of developing inhalers which isolate chemicals found in
marijuana, delivering them to patients in a smokeless form. This is
not, however, indicative of an actual concern for the health of sick
and dying people. It is more about profits for pharmaceutical
companies who do not profit from natural herbs for which no patents
are legally available, and which can be easily grown by patients
themselves.

Second, the call for research operates in a circular fashion. Drug
warriors say that we cannot change the marijuana laws until there is
more research. Yet it is because of the restrictive drug laws that
there is not more research. Any one scientist seeking to engage in
legitimate empirical experiments with cannabis must face a daunting
gauntlet of bureaucratic hurdles.

Third, while it is true that the medical marijuana laws of many
states are in conflict with federal laws, our federal government is
also in conflict with itself. For example, the Drug Enforcement
Administration claims that marijuana has no medical benefit. If this
is true, then why does our federal government provide George McMahon,
a fellow Texan and friend of mine, with a monthly supply of 300
pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, courtesy of our tax dollars? He has
a genetic disorder called Nail Patella Syndrome which causes painful
spasms and bone deformities. His doctors claim that if it were not
for his legal supply of federal marijuana, he would probably not be
alive today. Although he smokes 10 joints a day, he is remarkably
lucid and eloquent. He has testified before state and federal
legislative committees.

It is time for our government to stop throwing seriously ill patients
in jail for private, doctor-approved consumption of cannabis.
Compassionate conservatism requires no less.

CHRISTOPHER LARGEN, The Colony