LEGALIZING POT? NO

Medical Case, Practical Need Insufficient for Symbolic OK

With Flint facing a largely symbolic vote on legalizing marijuana for
medical use, the voice of a key group is officially missing.

That is the community's physicians, as the Genesee County Medical
Society has taken no stance on Tuesday's ballot issue that would
amend city ordinances, nor has it been asked to do so by backers of
the measure. Several interpretations can be placed on the hands-off
treatment, but one minimal assumption is unavoidable: Local doctors
do not see legalized marijuana advancing the cause of medicine.

The lack of formal comment is especially curious considering the
proposed ordinance change calls for written proof that a physician
has recommended marijuana use for anyone falling under the
ordinance's supposed protection. If doctors don't care to offer
guidance, a no vote is the best choice for Flint.

As a practical matter, passage of the measure would not make any
difference because the vote could not alter police behavior. Federal
and state laws that outlaw marijuana would remain in force no matter
how Flint voters choose, trumping any conflicting ordinance.

So is the case with four Michigan cities that already have passed
some kind of legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. Despite
the lack of legal force, these measures continue to be advocated by
the Washington-D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, which has paid a
$7,500 grant to support the Flint effort.

While we don't dismiss claims that marijuana could help combat nausea
and pain suffered by AIDS and cancer patients among others, the
science supporting its use is inconclusive. Even some medical
professionals who acknowledge such benefits say that the drug
Marinol, with a synthetic property of marijuana, offers a safer, more
controlled way to obtain the same pain-relieving effects.

Of course, there's a counterargument to this, too, which leaves the
whole medical question too contradictory to support the popular
endorsement marijuana backers are seeking Tuesday.

And then there's the matter of a need for this legal permission. Even
ignoring the futility of passing a city ordinance contrary to state
law, evidence is anecdotal and slim that those using marijuana only
for medical purposes are victims of widespread police persecution.
Flint cops don't have the time to focus on such minor criminality and
the Genesee County Jail has little memorable history of housing these
offenders.

Therefore, Tuesday's vote that will require staffing all 60 Flint
precincts will amount to a political statement, which supporters of
this marijuana use hope will lead to a change in Michigan law -
either by the Legislature or referendum as has happened in 11 states.
If it comes to this, one hopes the medical community will go on
record loud and clear first on whether marijuana merits legalization,
and by what rules it should be administered.

With the local medical society, if anything, holding a contrary view,
we cannot back this proposed change in the city code that would carry
no legal weight and from available evidence has little practical
necessity. Flint voters should reject it, too.

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QUICK TAKE

About the vote

What: Election to decide if Flint should amend its city code
"exempting individuals possessing or using (marijuana) for medical
purposes under a physician's care from the provisions of the code
making it a criminal offense."

When: Tuesday

Where: City of Flint only