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| Donation Boosts Medical Marijuana Program |
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Posted by FoM on August 01, 2001 at 13:10:34 PT By Ed Vogel, Las Vegas Review-Journal Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal 
Americans for Medical Rights, the organization that put medical marijuana initiatives on nine state election ballots, has agreed to contribute $15,000 toward the costs of operating Nevada's medical marijuana program. The organization notified former gubernatorial candidate Aaron Russo that it will match the $15,000 he intends to raise to fund the program. A state law that goes into effect Oct. 1 allows Nevadans, with permission from a doctor, to use marijuana to treat symptoms of AIDS, cancer, nausea and other illnesses. Gina Pesulima, national coordinator of Americans for Medical Rights, told Russo the group supports his efforts to raise money to pay for the medical marijuana program. Pesulima said she joined Russo in "condemning Gov. Kenny Guinn for failing to budget the $30,000 necessary for implementing the first phase of the program." Although 65 percent of the voters in the November election backed a constitutional amendment to allow use of medical marijuana in Nevada, Guinn did not set any money aside in his $3.8 billion, two-year budget to fund its operation. Department of Agriculture Director Paul Iverson said last month he will run the program with existing staff and go before the Legislature in two years to seek full operating costs. He has appointed Cecile Crofoot to manage the program. "Why don't they just donate it to the state?" asked Iverson, who said on Tuesday he would talk with Pesulima. "We receive donations, $30, $20, $10. This could lead to more people making donations." Iverson has been concerned that Russo devotes too much time criticizing Guinn when the focus should be funding the program. Two months ago, Russo ran a series of advertisements condemning Guinn for not funding the program. Russo vowed to raise the funds himself. Crofoot plans a 1:30 p.m., Aug. 9, workshop at the Sawyer Building in Las Vegas to gather public comment on the program. A similar meeting is set for Tuesday in Sparks. Under the law, Nevadans can grow as many as seven marijuana plants, of which only three may be mature. The law does not provide them a way to acquire seeds. Because he received hundreds of calls from supporters of medical marijuana, Russo said he is confident he can easily raise $15,000 to match the money given by Americans for Medical Rights. In her letter to Russo, Pesulima said Nevada "has an obligation, as result of passage of the initiative by voters, to assert its sovereignty and distribute marijuana to Nevada patients with or without federal permission. Americans for Medical Rights is the parent organization to Nevadans for Medical Rights, headed by Dan Hart. which circulated petitions to put the initiative before voters. Note: Rights group contributes $15,000; more funding promised by former candidate. Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV) Related Articles & Web Site: Americans For Medical Rights Medical Marijuana: Russo Upset at Guinn Decision Medical Marijuana Program To Start Oct. 1 Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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Comment #1 posted by Ethan Russo, MD on August 01, 2001 at 17:07:51 PT:
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| Perhaps loyal members of Cannabisnews.com might consider sending contributions to help the program. It is merely a shame that activists need to support what government should be obligated to provide. They make the laws, and should support the bureaucracy they have mandated. [ Post Comment ] |
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