DON'T APPROVE BILL ON 'MEDICINAL' CANNABIS

There is a bill pending in the state Senate titled SB 650. It proposes
to legalize the medical use of cannabis.

I oppose this legislation.

One reason given for attempting this is to ease such things as nausea
in cancer patients during treatment.

As a two-time cancer survivor, I am well acquainted with the physical
reactions to chemotherapy and other drugs used in treatments. There
are currently several legal treatments that minimize or eliminate much
discomfort coming from chemo.

Allowing cancer victims to privately grow cannabis in there homes is
not necessary and almost impossible to control.

It should also be mentioned that there is currently -- in pill form --
a legal drug containing the ingredient in cannabis that has been
successful during treatment, so why should we allow private growth?

As a former sheriff and law enforcement officer for over 30 years, I
can also tell you that this law will be almost totally unenforceable
as written.

I can sympathize and empathize with cancer victims and others who
suffer from illness for various reasons during treatments. However, I
have to ask, is this simply an attempt by groups favoring the
legalization of drugs to get a foothold in place which would allow for
the expansion of its use?

I must also ask, why is it that this piece of legislation seems to
have slipped under the radar as far as the public is concerned?

There have been no local news stories on this that I am aware of nor
has anything been said by individuals who follow what is going on in
Springfield.

If your readers would like to read more on this bill and hundreds of
others pending in the Capitol, I suggest they go to
www.ilga.gov/legislation and check it out. You will be amazed at what
you find.

Steve Brienen

Danvers