LYNCH SHOULD VETO NH BILL TO LEGALIZE POT USE

There Is Neither a Medical, Social, nor Political Consensus

It is not the right time for New Hampshire to legalize the use of
marijuana. Jurisdictional enforcement remains too murky, and there is
no consensus.

Deep divisions remain on whether the distribution of marijuana and
its use by severely ill people should be permitted. Federal law has
prohibited the cultivation, distribution and use of marijuana since
1937. The illegal nature of the plant has done little to block its
use, and there is widespread disagreement as to whether it should
even be a controlled substance.

New Hampshire treats marijuana as an illegal substance. Federal law
also prohibits it, but the Justice Department announced earlier this
year it would not prosecute violators. Previously, the Justice
Department under the Bush administration vigorously enforced the
nation's anti-pot laws, not only ignoring state laws that allowed its
use for medicinal purposes, but conducting raids in states where it
was allowed.

President Obama has shown no indication of getting into the marijuana
dispute. Who can blame him? There are more critical issues at stake.
And there is no reason to expect the president will risk political
capital with Democrats by telling the Justice Department its job is
to enforce the law or further enable Republicans by suggesting the
repeal of laws outlawing the cultivation, distribution or use of the
plant, even for medicinal purposes.

California has engaged in the marijuana muddle, to the benefit of
few. In communities and counties where the sale of marijuana was
permitted, federal task forces were active. Where there were
jurisdictions in which the sale and purchase was prohibited, people
would travel great distances to communities and counties in which it
was allowed. Federal courts came down on the side of federal law.

Congress makes laws, and the Justice Department is charged with their
enforcement -- when the law is a White House or DOJ priority.

The dispute over marijuana is not only one of law. There is also the
debate within the medical community. There are doctors who advocate
its use in treating some illnesses or using it to provide relief.
There are others who disapprove of its use.

There are many drugs whose purpose is to provide relief from pain and
discomfort -- drugs that are regulated to minimize abuse. However,
they are not substances that can be easily grown in your backyard,
making them available for abuse.

Gov. John Lynch has questioned the wisdom of New Hampshire traveling
a different path than the one established by federal law. We agree
with the governor's evaluation. New Hampshire has not reached a point
in its development where it should be thinking in policy terms that
emulate states like California.

The bill passed by the Legislature and sent to the governor would
establish three nonprofit compassion centers to dispense 2 ounces of
marijuana every 10 days to severely ill patients whose doctors
approve the drug's use, effectively prescribing it.

The governor should veto the bill to legalize the use of marijuana.
It should not be legalized until such time as there is a clear and
consistent medical, social and political consensus.