SUPPORT THE KIND

I was a co-author and chief petitioner for the Oregon Medical
Marijuana Act passed in 1998. Measure 33 will not hurt OMMA patients
but will help any patient who runs out of medicine ["So Totally
Harsh," WW, Sept. 1, 2004].

We are happy OMMA helped some like Stormy Ray find access to a safe,
steady supply of medicine. But what about those patients left behind,
such as cancer chemotherapy patients who need medicine immediately?
Measure 33 creates dispensaries that will act like pharmacies and sell
safe medicine to patients in a safe environment rather than forcing
patients underground. Measure 33 is not legalization. Only patients
qualified by an attending physician can register as a patient.

We cannot let the war on medical marijuana interfere with choice in
medical care. Voters who liked the OMMA should love Measure 33,
because it is truly a patient's bill of rights. Vote Yes on 33.

Rick Bayer, MD

Southwest Canyon Drive