SENATE TO HEAR PROS, CONS OF LEGALIZING MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The controversial issue of medical marijuana is the topic of an
informal Wisconsin state Senate hearing at the Capitol Wednesday.

The hearing will feature testimony by three experts leading the battle
to legalize medical marijuana. Following the speakers, the floor will
be open for discussion.

Medical marijuana legislation was passed in the state Legislature in
1982, but the bill was only symbolic in its passage because it
required but did not receive support from the federal government.

Gary Storck, director of the Madison chapter of the National
Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said a medical
marijuana user in Wisconsin would face criminal charges if caught with
the illegal substance.

"Now a medical marijuana patient in Wisconsin faces the same
predicament a recreational user would face," Storck said.

The hearing today is not in support of a specific bill, but rather to
discuss this controversial health care matter. According to Storck,
because Republicans have been in control of the Senate from 1993 until
this past election, past bills encouraging the legalization of the
drug for medical use have died in the Capitol.

"The GOP tends to vote as a block even though the individuals who
elect them say they support marijuana," Storck said. "Hearing it in
the Senate where the Democrats are in control gives the issue new light."

The informal hearing, Storck added, will hopefully lead to the
drafting of medical marijuana legislation in the Senate.

"The hearing will clear up the mythology," Storck said. "It paves the
way for a Senate Bill next session. Gov. Doyle said he would sign a
bill if it reaches his desk."

Expert witnesses are going to answer questions in hopes of dispelling
rumors commonly associated with marijuana. Storck said those who
testify will help show the community that marijuana can be used for
medical proposes and thus, should be treated like any other medical
drug.

"If there was other medications we could take, we'd be glad to do it,"
Storck said. "[Marijuana] is the safest medicine for us."

Medical marijuana user George MacMahon will act as an expert witness
at the hearing. The federal government sends him 300 pre-rolled
marijuana cigarettes, totaling 11 ounces, every month. Storck said the
program he receives the drug through was closed to new applicants in
1992.

Storck said David Bearman, a medical marijuana specialist, and Chris
Fichtner, psychiatrist and expert on medical marijuana, will also
testify in support of legalizing the drug for medical proposes in Wisconsin.

But not all legislators support medical marijuana legislation,
specifically the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act -- a bill in the
Assembly that would permit those with debilitating medical conditions
small amounts of marijuana. Rep. Scott Suder, R-Abbotsford, said he is
hesitant to support the bill because of the potential for recreational
users to abuse the law.

"I think the legislation leaves a huge loophole for those who want to
experiment with marijuana," Suder said. "Many of us are willing to
take a look at the legislation, but the language needs to be tightened
to prevent abuse."

The informal hearing is being held in room 411 South of the Capitol
Wednesday at 11 a.m.