HELP SOUGHT FOR MEDICAL POT USERS

SACRAMENTO, Jan. 12 (UPI) -- State Sen. John Vasconcellos has stepped up
his effort to get help for users of medical marijuana.

The Santa Clara Democrat held a Capitol news conference today to announce a
half-dozen measures to implement Proposition 215, the medical marijuana law
approved by 6 million California voters in November 1996.

Vasconcellos says he's outraged by state and federal efforts to thwart
distribution of marijuana to patients of AIDS, cancer and other diseases
who want the drug to ease their pain.

He cited the recent U.S. Justice Department closure of northern California
cannibis clubs under a federal law that conflicts with Proposition 215 --
an action he promises to appeal.

The lawmaker also announced plans for a Public Safety Committee "summit" on
the distribution issue in hopes of reconciling diverse viewpoints, and new
implementing legislation based on the meeting.

Vasconcellos promised renewed efforts to move a bill off the Assembly floor
that would authorize a three-year University of California study on medical
use of the drug.

The Senate passed it last year, but it fell short in the Assembly despite
support from state Attorney General Dan Lungren.

Vasconellos is also asking colleagues to sign a protest letter to President
Clinton, and appealing to citizens to do the same.

Copyright 1998 by United Press International.