SOLONS: STUDY TO ANNUL MARIJUANA BAN ABSURD

Negros Oriental's three district representatives are unanimous in
declaring "they won't even think about sponsoring or taking the initiative
of introducing to the House Representatives a proposal that would express
the need to take a second hard look on decriminalizing marijuana use."

Since a law has declared marijuana an illegal drug, the use, manufacture
and possession of such are punishable by law, which can only be overturned
if another law will be passed by Congress which decriminalizes it.

Rep. George Arnaiz of the 2nd District and Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st
District) both branded the proposal as foolish and ludicrous.

Arnaiz criticized Dumaguete City Councilor Dr. Noel De Jesus for proposing
to decriminalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes. He said that in
most countries marijuana has been made illegal after it was proven to do
more harm than good.

Although 3rd District Rep. Pryde Henry Teves is keeping an open mind of
the possibility that marijuana can be tapped to cure some illnesses yet he
still wants De Jesus to convince him that the positive effects of
marijuana use far outweigh the negative ones and that it can be
administered not through smoking in tablet or liquid form.