DOYLE SIGNALS IT'S TIME TO LEGALIZE MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle is a former county prosecutor and state
attorney general. He's always maintained a tough stance when it comes
to drug use and abuse - so tough that, at times, we have criticized
his positions.

So when Doyle says it is time to legalize medical marijuana, as he did
last week, legislators should take notice.

The governor said during an appearance in Wausau that he has no
problem with the use of marijuana to treat severe pain and other
medical conditions, if the treatment is prescribed by a doctor.

In a discussion after a decision by the Obama administration not to
prosecute users and suppliers of medical marijuana in the 14 states
where it's been legalized, Doyle made the important point that
restricting the use of medical marijuana is senseless when doctors can
already prescribe more powerful drugs such as morphine.

The governor is framing this discussion in precisely the right
terms.

Members of the Assembly and Senate should respond by taking up a
proposal sponsored by a pair of key legislators, Rep. Mark Pocan,
D-Madison, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee. The measure would
protect Wisconsin patients from prosecution and allow them or a
designated caregiver to possess and grow a small amount of cannabis
for medical use.

"It is time that we address medical marijuana as an issue of providing
comprehensive health care to all people," Pocan and Erpenbach explain
in a memo recently distributed to legislators. "The patient and their
doctor should have as many options as possible available when treating
a patient's medical condition."

The governor agrees.

This should be easy. Pass the bill. Then Doyle can sign it and
Wisconsin will have enacted at least some health care reform
legislation this year.