JUST SAY YES

Medical Marijuana Bill Should Become Law

In Maryland, terminally ill people who use marijuana to ease their
suffering or restore their appetite can be arrested and thrown in jail.
More than one-third of the members of the Maryland House of Delegates feel
this is wrong. They have signed up as co-sponsors of House Bill 1222, which
would exempt Marylanders from state prosecution if a doctor recommends they
use marijuana.

Among those supporting the legislation are high-ranking leaders from both
parties, including the Majority Leader, the Speaker Pro Tem, the Minority
Leader and the Minority Whip. "Medical marijuana legislation is gaining
support in the House of Delegates because more and more members realize
that it's a crime to arrest and imprison patients for the simple act of
taking their medicine," said Delegate Donald Murphy, the chief sponsor of
the bill.

Support for the bill cuts across political and ideological lines, with
liberal Democrats joining conservative Republicans in backing the measure.
Such distinctions often disappear for lawmakers who have seen loved ones
suffer with AIDS or cancer, and not been able to legally obtain a drug -- a
medicine -- that would relieve their pain or counteract the nausea caused
by treatments such as chemotherapy.

Support for such legislation is growing nationwide. A 1999 nationwide
Gallup poll found that 73 percent of Americans support making marijuana
medically available.

None of the lawmakers from Western Maryland have signed up in support of
the medical marijuana bill. We think they should, even in an election year.

Is there an especially strong stigma associated with marijuana in
conservative regions like Western Maryland? Sure. Is it politically risky
to support Murhpy's legislation? Perhaps.

Or maybe not.

Cancer, AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis, Epilepsy and other scourges strike at
random, showing no regard for geographical or political boundaries.
Virtually everyone who makes their home west of Sideling Hill knows someone
personally, or knows a friend of a friend, who has suffered or perhaps died
from one of these diseases. The medical marijuana bill simply provides a
remedy that could make life better for those singled out by fate to endure
such affliction.

We suspect that voters will not punish lawmakers who try to help such
people by giving them another medical option. To the contrary, we strongly
believe that Western Marylanders will reward a courageous vote in support
of a common sense, compassionate and measured piece of legislation that
should become law.