LEGALIZED MARIJUANA DEBATED

Chris Halligan, who suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes
pain around his knees and joints, said he's happy a measure has
finally been introduced to allow for the medicinal use of marijuana.

But Dr. Jan Bollinger, an orthopedic surgeon who would treat people
with Halligan's condition, said he's not convinced medical marijuana
is the answer for the chronic pain that afflicts many people with
debilitating conditions.

The debate over the legalization of medical marijuana has been sparked
by Sen. Rory Respicio's introduction of Bill 420 on Tuesday.

The measure, "The Compassionate Health Care Act of 2010," would allow
licensed physicians to prescribe marijuana to qualified patients. It
would also establish health-care centers that will grow, process and
dispense cannabis by prescription only.

The measure aims to help people who suffer from debilitating, chronic
and painful illnesses and conditions -- people like Halligan.

The 20-year-old University of Guam student said he's had to live with
the chronic pain brought on by Nail-Patella syndrome, which is
characterized by abnormalities of bone, joints, fingernails and kidneys.

The condition is commonly characterized by absent or under-developed
kneecaps and thumbnails, and dislocation of the knee caps is common,
according to the National Institute of Health website.

Simply walking is always painful, and any activity that's slightly
more rigorous can be unbearable, Halligan said.

While he's been prescribed strong painkillers, he said he'd rather
alleviate the pain with marijuana than pop pills.

Halligan said he's witnessed how a close relative became addicted to
painkillers.

Marijuana, if closely regulated, can be more effective and as safe as
a painkiller, Halligan said.

"I refuse to pump my body full of chemicals that I cannot even
pronounce. And why should I when cannabis, a plant that I can grow in
a garden, helps me out just as much if not more?" he said.

But Bollinger said the concept of medical marijuana has been greatly
abused.

"I wouldn't consider it for my patients," said Bollinger, a surgeon at
Guam Orthopaedic Associates. "I'm not in favor of the bill."

As Halligan raises concerns about the abuse of prescribed painkillers,
Bollinger also said he's seen how medicinal marijuana can be abused
and cause harm to one's physical and mental health.

Dr. Thomas Shieh, who's been vocal about health issues that come
across the political spectrum, said he's concerned about Respicio's
legislation.

"Sen. Rory asked me to review the bill and I told him to not introduce
the marijuana bill until I reviewed it with my physician colleagues.
That was my advice to him," Shieh said yesterday.

"Marijuana is a mind-altering drug, and we have to be very careful to
add this to the legalized drug list. Adding marijuana problems with
alcohol -- it's a deadly mix," Shieh said.

Any drug -- legal or illegal -- can be abused, but Hallinger said he
would be among those who would use marijuana responsibly. He noted how
he works two jobs to pay for his college courses as he pursues degrees
in computer science and anthropology.

"My condition differentiates me and yet I have to function just like
anyone else," he said. "This bill would really help people like me."