AUSTIN LAWMAKER FILES BILL IN FAVOR OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA

State Rep. Terry Keel, R-Austin, has lent his law-and-order image to
medical marijuana legislation.

A former Travis County prosecutor and sheriff, Keel has filed a bill
allowing a defendant charged with marijuana possession to claim as a
defense that the drug was recommended by a physician for treatment of a
medical condition.

"If we have medicine that can alleviate pain and treat seriously ill
patients, it makes no sense not to use it," Keel said. "Logic dictates that
this be done."

Keel, who prides himself on "being on the front lines of the drug war for
10 years," said House Bill 513 is narrowly drawn so it does not interfere
with police or prosecutors.

The burden of proof is on the defendant. It does not decriminalize the drug
and avoids conflicting with federal laws banning use of the drug. Although
doctors still cannot prescribe marijuana, they sometimes recommend it.

Keel said he does not expect physicians to abuse the legislation because it
would be a red flag to the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners.

Patients undergoing chemotherapy or battling AIDS smoke marijuana to ease
pain, control nausea or stimulate appetites.

Although there are health concerns about long-term use, Keel said his
motive is to help the seriously ill.

"We have a lot of terminally ill in Austin," he said.

He said his constituents in western Travis County overwhelmingly supported
the idea in a recent questionnaire.

State Rep. Glen Maxey, an Austin Democrat who is an advocate on health
issues, including treatment for AIDS patients, said Keel's law enforcement
background will help advance the bill.

"He's the right guy to do it," Maxey said.