POL PUTS POT ON FRONT BURNER

When the City Council finally passes its anti-war resolution tomorrow,
it'll immediately get enmeshed in another controversial issue - the
legalization of medical marijuana.

Councilman Phil Reed (D-Manhattan), who is pushing for legal marijuana,
says he wants AIDS patients, cancer sufferers and others with debilitating
diseases to be able to alleviate their pain.

"It's a very modest bill in reality. There are thousands of people who
could benefit," Reed said.

The state Legislature is weighing the matter in a bill introduced by
Manhattan Assemblyman Richard Gottfried. The council's resolution is
strictly advisory.

Reed's resolution is to get a hearing in the Health Committee next month.
It is supported by New York State Nurses Association, New York AIDS
Coalition and other groups.