TIME TO SNUFF REEFER MADNESS

In 1936, the film "Reefer Madness" told America that marijuana would
turn users into homicidal maniacs.

More than seven decades later, it turns out the real madness is
preventing seriously ill men and women from availing themselves of a
substance that can relieve pain and restore some measure of control
and dignity to their lives.

The state Legislature is attempting to put an end to that kind of
hysteria with the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, which
would allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Eleven states
have such laws on the books. Gov. Corzine has said he would
sign the bill if it reaches his desk. Lawmakers in Trenton should
make that happen and encourage federal lawmakers to reclassify
marijuana so doctors -- now prohibited from prescribing it -- would
be able to do so.

Desperately ill patients across the state living with glaucoma,
multiple sclerosis and the debilitating effects of chemotherapy
should be given every reasonable opportunity to secure relief.

The arguments raised against the medical use of marijuana seem as
thin and wispy as smoke itself. Among them:

All the science is not yet in on the efficacy of pot to alleviate symptoms.

Maybe. But there are many studies indicating cannabis has beneficial
effects for some patients.

Possible lung damage from smoking marijuana outweighs any possible benefits.

That's like saying we shouldn't put out a house fire because the
water might damage the rugs inside.

Those pushing to allow the use of marijuana for medical reasons are
simply looking for a backdoor way to legalize it.

It's absurd to suggest people going blind from glaucoma or vomiting
from chemotherapy are smoking marijuana just for fun. They are
simply trying to find a way to ease their pain.

The proposed bill is not perfect. Patients would have to procure
their own supply of marijuana since doctors can't prescribe it. But
the law would give patients protection from prosecution by state and
local authorities.

The Legislature should see to it that Corzine has the opportunity to
make the bill law. "Reefer Sanity" should have its day.