PROPOSALS ON STATE BALLOT DESERVE SUPPORT

ESCANABA - A couple of years ago I stepped off a San Francisco cable
car when an obviously congenial gent walking with a cane began
chatting with me. This pleasant man volunteered "I have the best job
in the world." He didn't appear affluent but seemed content, so I
asked about his job. He said, "I work at the medical marijuana clinic."

Four years ago Ron Reagan, son of the deceased president, addressed
the Democratic Convention. He supported increased funding for
embryonic stem cell research. It was a transcendental moment. Nancy
Reagan also supports embryonic stem cell research.

In five weeks Michiganders will vote on two ballot questions that
will affect medical care and research. If passed, Proposal 1 will
legalize marijuana use for medical purposes by certified patients.
Federal law will continue to make use or possession of marijuana a crime.

As a practical matter, federal law enforcement has bigger fish to fry
than patients seeking relief from their afflictions through marijuana
use. Thus medical use will be effectively legalized if Proposal 1 passes.

Proponents of medical marijuana refer to several organizations that
support the use of marijuana that is prescribed by a doctor. Large
mainstream organizations like the American Medical Association and
the American Cancer Society support more research on the medical use
of marijuana. They do not necessarily support the use of marijuana.

Proponents claim marijuana helps chemotherapy patients controlling
nausea and appetite. Opponents say those claims are old and that
medications have been developed that are effective in controlling
nausea and appetite suppression.

It isn't reasonable to deny terminally ill patients anything they
want to ingest. As long as the patient is lucid and informed, why not
marijuana? Undoubtedly, law enforcement is concerned that the medical
use of marijuana will provide another outlet for illegal use of the drug.

Under Proposal 1 we won't need to navigate through a fog of pot smoke
in our daily lives. Only 40,000 to 50,000 Michiganders will be
eligible to use medical marijuana.

Those unlucky enough to suffer from a certifiable condition will be
allowed to possess 2.5 ounces of marijuana, but not on the grounds of
any school. Correctional facilities and school buses are also off
limits to pot possession.

You will not have to explain to children the odd looking cigarettes
at the playground. All marijuana use will continue to be prohibited
on public transportation and in public places.

Do not be concerned that your Blue Cross rates will increase paying
for hash. Under Proposal 1 health insurers and government programs
are not required to pay for medical marijuana.

Proposal 2 on the November ballot changes the Michigan Constitution.
Michigan is one of five states that prohibits embryonic stem cell
research. The proposal would permit the research.

Approximately 400,000 frozen embryos are stored in the U.S. They are
byproducts of in vitro fertilization, which produces more fertilized
eggs than are needed to produce wanted children. More often than not
those embryos are destroyed. Proposal 2 wants to use those embryos to
study human cell development.

Stem cell research is not cloning. Scientists will not construct
Frankensteins. Scientists will observe the nascent embryo cells
develop. Scientist will learn about the origins of abnormal cell
development in diseases like cancer. It will lead to more effective treatment.

Scientists believe they will be able to encourage stem cells to grow
into useful body tissue that can replace damaged parts like the spinal cord.

Stem cell research is not prohibited by federal law. If the stem cell
ballot proposal passes it will have immediate impact in Michigan.
Michigan scientists will then engage in research taking place
throughout the world.

The proposal only permits the use of embryos from in vitro process
that would otherwise be destroyed. Embryo farming is banned.

The option of mind altering drugs when facing the ultimate reality
holds a certain appeal so Proposal 1 is difficult not to support.
Proposal 2 permits the use of embryos that would otherwise be
destroyed. It also deserves our support.