PROPOSAL 1: MEDICAL MARIJUANA COULD AID SERIOUSLY ILL

Proposal 1 on Michigan's Nov. 4 ballot would allow legal use of
marijuana for medical purposes. It has stirred surprisingly little
controversy, despite opposition from many organizations and public
officials, including Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm and Republican
state Attorney General Michael Cox.

If polls are any indication, most voters see it not as a radical
measure but rather as a sensible move to allow seriously ill people
to benefit from marijuana's ability to relieve nausea, pain and other
symptoms. We agree.

The proposal would allow doctors to recommend marijuana use for
patients with conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS,
hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis and more. Patients would have to
register with the state to be able to legally buy, grow and use small
amounts of marijuana without fear of state penalties. The federal ban
on marijuana would remain in effect, although Drug Enforcement
Administration officials have acknowledged that they have greater
concerns than pursuing federal prosecution of sick people using
physician-approved marijuana.

Some opponents have said that Proposal 1 would increase Michigan's
substance abuse problem. We disagree. Marijuana already is easily
available for those who want to use and abuse it illegally.

But it is not so readily accessible to law-abiding folks who are sick
and could benefit from its therapeutic effects. Proposal 1 will
eliminate that barrier, and we think voters should approve it.