cannabisnews.com: Time for Legislature To Pass Marijuana Bill Time for Legislature To Pass Marijuana Bill Posted by CN Staff on February 25, 2006 at 07:13:08 PT By Dr. Christopher G. Fichtner Source: Chicago Sun-Times Illinois -- On Feb. 15, the Illinois Senate Health and Human Services Committee voted to pass the Illinois Medical Cannabis Act. As a physician and former director of mental health with the Illinois Department of Human Services, I commend the committee for its leadership and urge the full Senate and House to pass this sensible, humane -- and popular -- legislation as quickly as possible. The bill, introduced by Sen. John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and co-sponsored by Senators Kwame Raoul (D-Chicago) and Iris Martinez (D-Chicago), would allow medically ill patients to obtain marijuana -- cannabis -- for medicinal use with the recommendation of their doctor. Illinois led this effort in 1978 when it became the second state to pass a Cannabis Control Act permitting limited medical use. That law was never fully implemented, and administrative rules to guide implementation are lacking.Medicinal use of cannabis has a history dating back thousands of years. Today patients use it for a variety of serious and debilitating medical conditions: to stimulate appetite in cancer and AIDS; to relieve nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy; to alleviate the chronic pain and muscle spasticity of multiple sclerosis; to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and for many other medical conditions, including some involving anxiety and mood disturbances. There is no reason to subject such patients to criminal prosecution for cannabis use if their doctor believes it will help them.California passed the first effective medical cannabis law in 1996, and 11 states have similar statutes. Despite the federal ban on possession of marijuana, states are within their rights to stop arresting people who use cannabis medicinally. Because federal authorities make only 1 percent of all U.S. marijuana arrests, state medical cannabis laws effectively provide 99 percent protection for bona fide patients. Rhode Island passed the most recent medical cannabis law in January, and 10 states are considering similar bills.Experience in other states shows that fears raised by medical cannabis opponents are unfounded. Opponents argue that medical cannabis laws send the wrong message to young people, potentially contributing to teen use. But nationwide, adolescent marijuana use has decreased since 1996, when California passed its law. And a recent study by Dr. Mitch Earleywine at State University of New York in Albany showed that trends in teenage marijuana use have been slightly more favorable in the medical cannabis states than nationwide.Illinois adults and teens know that compassionate treatment of sick people and health care that respects consumer choice and the doctor-patient relationship are not ''the wrong message.'' They recognize that criminalizing patients for their health-care choices is wrong.Last year, White House officials descended upon Illinois with a misinformation campaign and intimidation tactics to block the Illinois Medical Cannabis Act. Fortunately, 1,000 Illinois physicians have expressed support for patient access to cannabis on a medicinal basis under a physician's care. But federal authorities chant a mantra of ''no medical value and harmfulness'' that ignores patient experience and the findings of their own reviews.In 1999, a White House-commissioned Institute of Medicine report declared that, ''Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety . . . all can be mitigated by marijuana.'' And in 2002, a Canadian Senate committee concluded that ''there are clear . . . indications of the therapeutic benefits of marijuana."Other countries' experts have reached similar conclusions, but U.S. federal policy defies both science and common sense in favor of ideology. Patient reports attest to the therapeutic value of cannabis, and rigorous scientific studies emerging from other countries are confirming age-old clinical observations. If there are too few controlled experimental studies to gain federal medicinal approval in the United States, it is not because cannabis has no medical value but because federal leadership has consistently blocked studies of marijuana as medicine. Federally approved studies are limited to those that search for ill effects from marijuana.Until federal law comes into the 21st century, states will have to take the lead in protecting patients. By encouraging our legislators to support patient access to cannabis on a physician's recommendation, the people of Illinois can stand with those in other states who have chosen not to criminalize patients. Illinois law enforcement need not do the dirty work of a politicized federal bureaucracy afflicted with ''reefer madness.''With a newly released statewide poll showing that Illinois voters back medical marijuana legislation more than 2-1, our legislators are empowered to do the right thing. They are empowered to send the right message. Dr. Christopher G. Fichtner is associate professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Chicago and medical adviser for IDEAL Reform, a nonprofit organization supporting patient access to medicinal cannabis under a physician's care.Complete Title: Time for Legislature To Pass Medical Marijuana Bill Source: Chicago Sun-Times (IL)Author: Dr. Christopher G. FichtnerPublished: February 25, 2006Copyright: 2006 The Sun-Times Co.Contact: letters suntimes.comWebsite: http://www.suntimes.com/ Related Articles: Illinois Could Be Next State To Legalize MMJhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21625.shtmlIllinois Legislature Takes New Look at Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21618.shtmlMedical Pot Passes Senatehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21614.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #30 posted by ekim on March 08, 2006 at 20:00:12 PT BobbyRa have you heard about Paul Peterson Comment #8 posted by paulpeterson on March 07, 2006 at 09:24:41 PT greetings, citizens I am pleased to note that Illinois is working to improve their non-workable MM law. I speak today from Iowa, where I have been checked into an involuntary "residency" for observation due to grandiose behaviors ie: my intractable belief that cannabis has medicinal properties. They let me out for a hearing about constitutional activities, etc. so I could also check my email (omegabeef gmail.com). Now I am not sure how to even check my mail due to techy changes that leave me with sweaty palms again (I am merely a dinosaur now).Good to know that the powers that be in Illinois have finally cleared committee-last time it was a bit too draconian to my friends, the police, in some 16 towns so far. It is unique, indeed, that negativity comes from Naperville, that decriminalized in the late 70's.8 Plants sounds like a good compromise. Good work out there so far. Kudos. I almost got a whole county to decriminalize here (BV) but then they took me outa the box for thinking outa the box. Checking out soon. Paul peterson Comment #11 posted by FoM on March 07, 2006 at 09:39:31 PT An Article About You Paul SL Man Wants Supervisors To Decriminalize MJ http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21531.shtml http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21531.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on March 08, 2006 at 18:56:12 PT BobbyRa I'm still hoping for good news too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by BobbyRa on March 08, 2006 at 17:49:07 PT Is it gonna die on the floor? I am still hoping for some good news. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by FoM on February 26, 2006 at 07:47:28 PT AOLBites They said that the new shows will start in April. I thought it was going to be in June. I'm glad it is April. I miss WEEDS.Little boxes on the hillsideLittle boxes made of ticky tacky! LOL!http://www.sho.com/site/weeds/home.dohttp://www.sho.com/site/weeds/music.do [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by potpal on February 26, 2006 at 06:23:37 PT toker You got it...every time somebody says, war on drugs, they should be reminded that what they are actually taking about is 'prohibition'...and history shows what a miserable failure prohibition was and is.http://gotestyourself.com It is difficult to get a man to understand something when their salary depends on his not understanding it. Upton Sinclair [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Toker00 on February 26, 2006 at 05:54:25 PT You're right, Walters. “It breaks up families; it destroys learning, memory, retention, self-discipline; it is a catalyst to crime, crime at a very young age; self-destruction, other destruction; child abuse and endangerment,” he said. “And it also is, in terms of its revenue, it takes millions of dollars out of affected communities.”Yes, John, that is exactly what PROHIBITION does. It breaks up families by putting the parent/s in prison. It destroys learning, memory retention, self-discipline by refusing students financial help in getting an education. It is a catalyst to crime, crime at a very young age because of the lure of easy money and good times fantasies that money provides. Self-destruction, other destruction would come from the legal drug alcohol more than the illegal drugs. Child abuse and endangerment from legal alcohol is far more prevalent than from illegal drugs. And it also is, in terms of revenue, it takes millions of dollars out of affected communities by directing money from the legal market to the black market and the department of "just us".END IT.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by whig on February 26, 2006 at 01:43:37 PT AOLBites Yes, that seems to be common, and it was my experience too. First time, it did very little. I felt a little off, but not profoundly altered. Second time, nothing at all, maybe a little brightening of my visual field. Third time, cotton mouth, some fear and distrust -- I felt my "friend" didn't really have my back, I didn't really know the other people there, and I was confused. My friend would just say "heh heh" anytime I said anything to him. I went for a water mission. Not altogether positive. Fourth time, guy that I'd known in Junior High School and me. He'd turned out really paranoid himself. He was talking about nuking the Middle East or some nonsense. I was frightened. I couldn't wait for him to leave.Ok, so it took me a really long time to learn how to do this properly. I literally had to date a pothead, and she had to talk me through it. And then I got it. Wow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by AOLBites on February 26, 2006 at 01:38:02 PT ot: sortA? http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2006/02/05/news-cynewdraft2-02-05.htmlhttp://cbs4.com/topstories/local_story_033170755.html -You have just Got to show that vid to people who 'cant believe that sort of thing happens' [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by AOLBites on February 26, 2006 at 01:25:05 PT YAY! LOS ANGELES, CA (December 13, 2005) – On the heels of today's three Golden Globe® nominations including Best Television Series-Musical or Comedy, SHOWTIME greenlighted 12 new episodes of WEEDS for a second season-------------now How did i not notice that? b4? [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by AOLBites on February 26, 2006 at 01:20:34 PT I Fell For It [ahem,the propaganda that is] I GLADLY accepted the joint as it was passed to me, just a lad at the age of 13.There was no pressure, no trepidation, no remembering what the police officers told us in school.There was, however, anticipation, inhalation, exhalation, jubilation, excitation, and a wonderfully euphoric intoxication.Oh, the first time. LOLI'll bet none of you felt any pressure, either.=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--a very fun aussie girl showed me the way around 19ish... taught me to be cautious of alcoholism, showed me how to fix it, and i was a Very brainwashed kiddie, needless to say the best help to keep off the bottle is cannabis....thanks Amanda!! its still the only fix ive found [i cant really work out this moderation thing otherwise =( ]no pressure, as i am sure many can relate, just simple observation of Reality ,,, 'course the govt seems to be able to pretend to ignore that stuff on most matters... [ps, first 2-3 times, No effect for me... that next one sure was a blast tho =) ] [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 21:10:37 PT BobbyRa I really do hope it happens for Illinois this time. I know how hard they fight us. I wish they would give up and realize that they have lost the war of public opinion. Medical marijuana helps people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by BobbyRa on February 25, 2006 at 20:58:00 PT Thank's all for the welcome and FOM, I hope Illinois can get it right this time also. It would be nice if at age 47 I can start living my life as intended. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by John Tyler on February 25, 2006 at 19:55:30 PT so natural Re: comment #3. I grew up in place before the market had developed, so I had to wait until I went to college. But there was no question. It was the natural thing to do.Bye the Bye… Welcome BobbyRa. This is a great community. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by whig on February 25, 2006 at 18:50:11 PT Weeds Really looking forward to the second season. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 17:30:35 PT Off Topic: WEEDS We are watching this funny movie on Showtime called Without a Paddle then something on WEEDS is coming on. I thought others might like to check it out too.Without a Paddle (7:35) WEEDS: Suburban Shakedown (9:15) http://www.sho.com/site/schedules/index.do [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by mayan on February 25, 2006 at 16:53:47 PT The Right Message Illinois adults and teens know that compassionate treatment of sick people and health care that respects consumer choice and the doctor-patient relationship are not ''the wrong message.'' They recognize that criminalizing patients for their health-care choices is wrong.Sorry, drug warriors. You can't use that "it sends the wrong message" crap anymore without being called on it. Every time you do you will be insulting the intelligence of the young and old alike and there will be backlash! And legislators can't use that "I don't want to be seen as soft on crime" crap anymore, either. You are in the ever shrinking minority! You have no tired excuses or lame rhetoric to hide behind anymore as your lies are now being exposed by those who used to parrot them. Don't worry though, as you "lonelier by the day" drug warriors could possibly get jobs with NORML or some other reform organization if you educate yourselves adequately!Hats off to Dr. Christopher G. Fichtner for throwing his weight behind this very important legislation and also to the Chicago Sun-Times! The voices of reason and sanity are finally being heard loud and clear. It looks like the mainstream media is really getting behind us! Before long the only arguments we'll have to counter will be from Johnny Pee's ONDCP press-releases and those will be treasured for their comic value! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by museman on February 25, 2006 at 16:09:22 PT comment#13 What BGreen said. Ditto from here. Welcome. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by BGreen on February 25, 2006 at 14:44:24 PT Welcome to CNews.com, BobbyRa Feel free to join in anytime you want.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 14:37:10 PT BobbyRa Welcome to CNews. I hope Illinois does the right thing this time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by BobbyRa on February 25, 2006 at 14:32:34 PT Sorry I should have said Hello first before I made my first poat. Long time reader, first time poster. Thanks for being here! [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by BobbyRa on February 25, 2006 at 14:27:22 PT God please help the people of Illinois to make this change in the law. If and when it happens, It will be a glorious day!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 14:22:26 PT museman I know what you mean. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by museman on February 25, 2006 at 14:06:21 PT FoM #1 “It breaks up families; it destroys learning, memory, retention, self-discipline; it is a catalyst to crime, crime at a very young age; self-destruction, other destruction; child abuse and endangerment,” he said. “And it also is, in terms of its revenue, it takes millions of dollars out of affected communities.”Sounds like a bush regime to me. http://wholeearthfamily.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by whig on February 25, 2006 at 13:57:39 PT BGreen Yeah, I kinda exploded, didn't I?I'm still under 35, too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by potpal on February 25, 2006 at 13:54:47 PT Exactly the point... Walters, known as the nation's "Drug Czar", came to the Hudson Valley at the request of Congresswoman Sue Kelly, who said it is a full-time job to fight drugs.Translation: Once the war on people via the war on some drugs ends, I no longer have a full-time job. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by BGreen on February 25, 2006 at 13:09:21 PT Over 30??? Wow, see what 17 years of pressure can do to a person? LOLThe Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by whig on February 25, 2006 at 12:57:51 PT BGreen I was a little brainwashed idiot when I was 13.Even when I was older and a little cooler, I would take the pipe and pass it on without taking a puff myself.I was past 30 when I smoked. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by BGreen on February 25, 2006 at 12:23:39 PT Peer pressure, schmeer schmessure I GLADLY accepted the joint as it was passed to me, just a lad at the age of 13.There was no pressure, no trepidation, no remembering what the police officers told us in school.There was, however, anticipation, inhalation, exhalation, jubilation, excitation, and a wonderfully euphoric intoxication.Oh, the first time. LOLI'll bet none of you felt any pressure, either.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 10:28:46 PT Off Topic: Money That's What I Want Peekskill Wins Federal Drug-Fighting GrantWeekend, February 25-26, 2006 The Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, John Walters, came to Peekskill with the government’s checkbook and a check for $98,000.The money will support that city’s Youth Bureau programs and efforts to build a community anti-drug coalition aimed at steering kids away from drugs.Congresswoman Sue Kelly said the funding will come in handy in the ongoing battled against illegal substance abuse.“All of the agencies, all of the touch-points where we have people who might need help in combating a drug use or not getting onto drugs would be able to interact as a result of this grant,” she said.The funding was presented to Mayor John Testa and Youth Bureau Director Valerie Swan.Copyright: 2006 Mid-Hudson News Network, a division of Statewide News Network, Inc. http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/Peek_drug_grant-25Feb06.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 25, 2006 at 10:23:54 PT Off Topic: Words from John Walters Drugs Will Destroy You, US Drug Czar Tells Students in Dutchess County Weekend, February 25-26, 2006 The Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, John Walters, brought a message to seventh graders at Wappinger Junior High School Friday – drugs will destroy you. He urged students not to fall into the trap of peer pressure and start using drugs.Walters said drug use has become more and more prevalent at a younger age, and that makes things worse.“It breaks up families; it destroys learning, memory, retention, self-discipline; it is a catalyst to crime, crime at a very young age; self-destruction, other destruction; child abuse and endangerment,” he said. “And it also is, in terms of its revenue, it takes millions of dollars out of affected communities.”Walters said marijuana use starts at a younger age now and meth amphetamines, which have not yet brought their scourge to the Hudson Valley, can really mess you up.Walters, known as the nation's "Drug Czar", came to the Hudson Valley at the request of Congresswoman Sue Kelly, who said it is a full-time job to fight drugs. Copyright: 2006 Mid-Hudson News Network, a division of Statewide News Network, Inc.http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/drugczar_WapJHS-25Feb06.htm [ Post Comment ] Post Comment