THE 'POT DOCS' CONTROVERSY

The source of abuse by "pot docs" is the law's calculated, expansive
wording. It refers to use by "seriously ill Californians," but
marijuana can be "recommended by a physician" if a "health benefit" is
found for treatment of "cancer, anorexia, AIDS, chronic pain ... or
any other illness for which marijuana provides relief." The words,
"any other illness," could, for example, encompass marijuana for an
upset stomach, rather than Pepto-Bismol. The words "provides relief"
and "a health benefit" are standardless.

Many assumed that a physician's "recommendation" was synonymous with a
written prescription. Not so. A "recommendation" could be oral and
also without any record whatsoever. Also, many would assume a
physician would be a sufficient check on abuse. Not so.

Finally, the law [approved as Proposition 215] authorizes marijuana
cultivation by "the patient" and a "primary caregiver."

This initiative and those in 10 other states have been devious methods
to move to full legalization of marijuana. Billionaire George Soros of
New York has been a prime bankroller of these measures, spending over
$550,000 on the California initiative alone.

Robert E. Hayes

Political science professor

Long Beach State