PROP 215 INEFFECTIVE THANKS TO LOOPHOLES

It's starting to feel like the great debate in Chico will continue
indefinitely. Advocates on both sides are hoarse from constantly
arguing and frankly, we're tired of covering it.

When discussing an issue so large and inclusive, people tend to make
sweeping, blanket statements that suffocate serious debate. These
generalizations litter discourse, making exploration of the larger
issue virtually impossible.

If any progress is to be made on the issue, it is going to be in
slow, gradual steps.

Evidence of this is the fact that our editorial board can't reach a
consensus. Consequently, we take no stance on the general question of
legalization versus criminalization.

We will say this though, if Proposition 215 -- which allows patients
to use marijuana legally with a note from a doctor -- is ever going
to be effective, we must sew up all the little holes.

Our primary concerns are rooted in the inconsistencies in the current
classification and regulation of medical marijuana.

If a substance is going to be labeled as medicine and used for such a
purpose, it must be controlled in a manner similar, if not identical,
to that of other medications.

Proponents of medical marijuana assert that the drug provides a
natural, non-addictive alternative for patients who wish to avoid
synthetic medications. Additionally, marijuana can be much more
affordable than conventional treatment for people suffering from
maladies such as chronic pain.

However, for an allegedly controlled pain medication, marijuana
enjoys relative freedom from regulation. Periodicals are peppered
with advertisements for doctors who will write marijuana referrals.

This process usually involves little more than a lackadaisical
check-up from the doctor. A quick blood pressure test, a peek down
your throat and you can walk out the door with a note allowing you to
get as stoned as you like -- legally.

It's like doctors advertising that they will write Oxycontin
prescriptions for complaints of a sore throat, a rolled ankle or
other minor ailments.

This is where the problem lies,- -not with vague or ambiguous wording
in Proposition 215 but with the doctors and patients who abuse the
system to make money or get high legally.

People who abuse loopholes in the system by fraudulently obtaining a
medical marijuana prescription from one of these bogus doctors not
only hinder the efforts of legitimate patients to get their medicine,
but undermine our entire system of medical regulation and control.

This is unacceptable. It is no better than addicts going "doctor
shopping" to get pain pills.

Marijuana will make no political progress until the scattered nature
of the debate calms down. Once marijuana supporters decide whether to
promote it as a medicine or as a recreational drug, then people will
be able to have focused discussions on the issue.