LEGALIZING MARIJUANA WOULD CREATE NIGHTMARE

Former Attorney General Bob Stephan said Friday he wants to start a
legislative discussion on medicinal marijuana in Kansas.

Stephan, a cancer survivor, said he did not use the drug himself
during his treatments, but believes that Kansans suffering from a
list of diseases and disorders proven to be helped by marijuana
should have the opportunity to take advantage of the positive
effects of the drug.

Yes, the benefits for those suffering from pain due to cancer
treatments, multiple sclerosis, eye disorders and other conditions
sound too good to be true. But look at the problems other states
with medicinal marijuana laws have had and one can see that these
patients will not be the only customers at any potential "medical
marijuana dispensaries."

In 2006, more than 30 of California's about 250 dispensaries were
raided on both state and federal warrants for marijuana distribution charges.

Just look for medical marijuana on the internet and you will find
online dispensaries which blare rap music, include singles ads and
have wide selections of cannabis apparels and paraphernalia.

What medical benefits do cancer patients get from loud music and singles ads?

Legalizing marijuana, even if it is just for medical reasons, will
only create a nightmare for Kansas' law enforcement agencies.

There is no way to insure that only patients will receive the
prescribed marijuana. Legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes is
opening a Pandora's box of problems for which we don't think the
state is ready.