YES ON PROPOSAL 1

Voters will decide on Nov. 4 whether Michigan will become the 13th
state to decriminalize the use of "medical marijuana." Should anyone
worry that the state will be overrun with illegal drugs? We do not
think so. Approve this proposal, and people suffering from cancer or
other serious diseases will have a new way to cope. Voters ought to
say yes to Proposal 1.

This proposal allows Michigan residents to possess marijuana legally,
but only under certain conditions. They must suffer from one of a
list of medical conditions for which marijuana is proven to offer
pain relief. They must have a doctor's permission.

As in other states, medical marijuana would be regulated. And users
would not receive carte blanche to break other laws. They could be
arrested for distributing this otherwise-illegal drug, or for driving
under the influence.

This proposal's opponents contend that other pain medications are
nearly as effective as marijuana, and getting better all the time.
They argue that putting a stamp of approval on this sends the wrong
message to children and legitimizes a "gateway drug" to other, more
addictive illegal drugs.

We disagree. We do not seek to promote marijuana, but most people can
see the difference between its use for recreation and as pain
medication for serious, debilitating conditions.

Michigan voters should take a compassionate, common-sense approach
and vote yes on Proposal 1.