A CRUCIAL BILL

Dear Editor,

This month, democratic state representative Kenneth Carano, will introduce
a safe access to medical marijuana bill in an effort to comfort and protect
Ohio's weakest and most vulnerable citizens from arrest and imprisonment
for using marijuana when it is prescribed by their physician.

The bill would establish a patient registry, which would issue
identification cards to patients and caregivers so that law enforcement can
better identify legitimate patients. The process involves the Ohio
Department of Health, and it's regulatory process in determining which
medical conditions would be eligible for the use of cannabis as a treatment
option.

Chris Redfern, Democratic minority leader in the Ohio House has
consistently refused through his aid to meet with a group of Ohio patients,
represented by the Ohio Patient Network, who are seeking safe access to
cannabis for medical purposes.

There are essentially two sides to this issue, you either support the
prosecution and imprisonment of sick and dying cancer or AIDS patients as
well as those suffering other chronic or terminal conditions, or you don't.

Surveys in Ohio have demonstrated bipartisan support for the bill at 80%.
Few lawmakers however have the fortitude to stand up and represent those
eighty percent, fearing the opposing party will use it as an election
issue, citing their opponents "soft on crime" approach.

Arresting medical patients who aren't criminals for seeking relief from
pain and suffering isn't "tough on crime" it is however, sadistic torture
as far as patient are concerned.

Unfortunately the public doesn't buy that anymore, the voting public is
well aware that science has established that marijuana is and has been an
effective medicine for certain conditions.

A recent report by the U.S. General Accounting Office determined that in
states where the medical use of marijuana was permitted, had no significant
on law enforcements ability to enforce laws against recreational use.

If Mr. Redfern opposes the bill, patients in his district will wonder why
he wants to arrest and imprison them, instead of standing up for their
rights as human beings to have the best available treatment - which for
some is cannabis.

Where Mr. Redfern stands on this issue is unclear, but either he stands
with 80% of Ohioans who support medical marijuana, or he stands with some
rather confused and sadistic fanatics who would rather prosecute a dying
patient than offer simple safe access to a natural drug that helps them.

Jim White Oregon, OH