DOCTORS SHOULD SUPPORT BILL 423

Guam cannot "legalize" cannabis/marijuana for any purpose. Federal
laws identify it as a controlled substance, so only they can
"legalize" its use. Guam should pass a law permitting the use of
cannabis for medicinal purposes and under strict conditions, as
proposed in my Bill 423.

A U.S. jurisdiction desiring to allow for medicinal cannabis must
follow the Ninth Circuit Court ruling, which the U.S. Supreme Court
upheld: doctors can legally recommend, but not dispense, cannabis to
patients. To stay within the boundaries of law, doctors that
recommend cannabis must certify that patients have been diagnosed
with a debilitating condition or disease, and cannabis can help them.

Cannabis has been proven to benefit individuals with cancer,
HIV/AIDS, cachexia (wasting syndrome), Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, epilepsy/seizures, hepatitis C,
severe migraines, multiple sclerosis/muscle spasms, Tourette's
Syndrome and severe pain. Many veterans suffering from a variety of
combat-related conditions, and the terminally ill, have been
assisted and comforted by its use.

Despite many years of efforts by medical professionals to properly
treat their patients, it wasn't until Oct. 19, 2009, when the
Department of Justice issued a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys
expressing a coherent federal government policy, allowing for the
sick to be treated without legalizing cannabis. It states:

"As a general matter, pursuit of (significant traffickers of illegal
drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug
manufacturing and trafficking networks) should not focus federal
resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear
and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for
the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of
individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana
as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent
with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear
and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such
individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of
limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of
commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for
profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department."

Bill 423 would allow doctors to recommend and certify that a medical
condition could be relieved by using cannabis. A certified patient
or caregiver could then purchase cannabis from a licensed
Compassionate Care Center. Only three proposed nonprofit Care
Centers will be permitted, which will be regulated under Guam law.

As an option, qualified patients/caregivers will be allowed to grow
up to three cannabis plants for medicinal use, if they choose.
Neither pharmacies nor doctors' offices will have cannabis for sale,
and it will NOT be available at supermarkets or village stores.

Cannabis substitutes such as Marinol (a synthetic cannabinol) are
too expensive for those without insurance. Patients concerned about
carcinogens from smoking can use cannabis in cooking, in a
vaporizer, or even to make tea.

This issue is about patient access to needed medicine. Scientists
and medical professionals around the world have encouraged the use
of cannabis for those truly in need. I urge our doctors to look
carefully at the facts so they can support Guam in doing the same.

Rory J. Respicio (D-Agana Heights) is the majority leader and
chairman of the Committee on Rules, Natural Resources and Federal,
Foreign and Micronesian Affairs.