cannabisnews.com: Easing Their Pain



cannabisnews.com: Easing Their Pain
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Easing Their Pain
Posted by CN Staff on October 24, 2009 at 06:42:00 PT
Editorial
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
Washington, D.C. -- The Obama administration's new policy on medical marijuana should make it easier for New Jersey and Pennsylvania to legalize its use for seriously ill patients.The Justice Department has removed a major legal hurdle by issuing a memo directing federal prosecutors in states that allow medical marijuana not to target patients or their sanctioned suppliers when the drug is purchased for legitimate purposes.
The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration's mixed signals, and makes more sense.Federal agents are still empowered to go after people whose marijuana distribution and nonmedical use is not permitted under state law, and those who use the sale of medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes.With that cleared up, New Jersey and Pennsylvania should join the 14 other states that allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes.A bill pending in Trenton would authorize state-registered marijuana users and their primary caregivers to have up to six marijuana plants and one ounce of marijuana. Those eligible would get ID cards issued by the state Department of Health and Senior Services. Marijuana could also be purchased at licensed centers.The state Senate approved the bill in February, marking the first time such legislation has emerged from a committee in New Jersey. A full vote is needed by the Assembly.Lawmakers may need to fine-tune the New Jersey bill to limit access to only those with legitimate illnesses. Clear guidelines are needed for doctors to write prescriptions.In Pennsylvania, State Rep. Mark Cohen (D., Phila.) has introduced a similar bill that would require prescriptions for medical marijuana and set regulations for its distribution and sales. But that measure has languished in committee.Studies show that allowing seriously ill or dying patients to use marijuana could have a tremendous health benefit. Researchers generally agree that it can ease pain and suffering from debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer or AIDS.This isn't about making marijuana legal for recreational use. It's about improving the quality of life for the sick and dying.Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)Published: October 24, 2009Copyright: 2009 Philadelphia Newspapers IncURL: http://drugsense.org/url/n2bbjvAuContact: Inquirer.Letters phillynews.comWebsite: http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml 
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Comment #3 posted by Zandor on October 24, 2009 at 08:32:00 PT
You Must Take Action now Or Lose Safe Access
You Must Take Action Today Or You WILL Lose Safe Access!
You CAN help STOP this from happening. Now is the time for action!Los Angeles City Attorney & District Attorney Urges for Public's Help in Passing His Medical Marijuana Ordinance! Call Your Councilman & Demand that this 4th Ordinance not be accepted! REJECT THIS 4th ORDINANCE. The newest version of this 4th ordinance is a completely callous piece of legislation that aims to outlaw completely the sale of medical marijuana for cash, to prohibit edibles and concentrates, and makes onsite consumption illegal.
We need a more compassionate & sensible ordinance put in place! It's time to flood city officials with your calls and emails. Please take the time out and let YOUR voice be heard now. It is truly necessary!It's time for our community to come together. We have only 7 days to act! Please Click here (http://www.lacity.org/LACITY/YourGovernment/CityCouncil/index.htm) to find and contact your Councilman. You MUST take action today or you WILL lose safe access. Your help is needed NOW!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 24, 2009 at 07:09:44 PT
Take Drug Fight To Cartels, Not MMJ Users 
By The OregonianOctober 24, 2009Oregon -- Eleven years after Oregonians voted to allow the cultivation and use of marijuana by prescription, the Justice Department finally has conceded the obvious: Drug agents have more important things to do than fight medicinal pot.However you feel about medical marijuana laws - and our view is that they are widely exploited by pot growers and users, especially in California - Attorney General Eric Holder's announcement Monday was a significant moment in the long campaign for a national law allowing medical marijuana use.The decision amounts to switching on a grow light for states to cultivate medical marijuana laws without interference from the federal government. Where all this ultimately leads is unclear, but it seems likely that one or more states - perhaps including Oregon - may vote in the next year or two on even broader legalization of marijuana.Besides Oregon, there are 13 states that have already legalized medical marijuana. But the new Justice Department guidelines are aimed primarily at California, which allows dispensaries that sell marijuana and advertise their services. Since June 2005, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the government could enforce federal marijuana laws even in states permitted medical marijuana, federal agents have conducted more than 200 raids in California alone.Snipped:Complete Article: http://drugsense.org/url/fMBFdRc5
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on October 24, 2009 at 06:56:52 PT
"Smoke Bubble" Souder!
I think of him now and again. What he must be going through right now in congress? He is such an arrogant self righteous little christian soldier. Check out how much he gets in campaign contributions from the WOD's people!I am sending him a "Slap-A-Gram"! It is a deluxe slap with a giant "Smerf" hand! I would like to have it delivered during his "cocktail hour".
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