FOR MEDICINAL USE ONLY

Compassion Should Dominate Debate Over Proposed Medical Marijuana Law

New York State has the opportunity to demonstrate the compassion shown
by 14 other states in legalizing medicinal use of marijuana. But
lawmakers also must ensure tight controls to avoid simply making
marijuana easier to get for nonmedical uses, and must review serious
scientific studies to avoid basing this kind of law only on anecdotal
evidence.

The issue of medical marijuana has been a topic of debate across the
country, with the federal government still staunchly opposed. But
states have carved out their own laws to help people in pain from
diseases such as multiple sclerosis or experiencing nausea from
undergoing chemotherapy.

New York's proposed law stands a decent chance of passage in the
Democratic-controlled Senate and Assembly before the end of this
legislative session in June. And while Gov. David A. Paterson
reportedly has concerns about the issue, and rightly wants to ensure
marijuana doesn't simply become more available to anyone, he has been
known to be supportive of the concept of legal medical use.

Republicans are likely to oppose the measure, and proponents are
concerned that four Democrats, including Sen. William T. Stachowski,
D-Lake View, also might vote against it. The thin Senate Democratic
majority puts the legislation in peril.

Opponents have offered the notion in the past that medical marijuana
could develop into an illegal side business. That is a valid concern,
but one that calls for careful monitoring and not for the outright
denial of relief to people who are suffering.

Anecdotal evidence abounds. In a recent report, News Albany chief Tom
Precious cited the experience of Joel Peacock, enrolled in the
Conservative Party, who used marijuana during a construction job in
Louisiana several years ago, and then in Florida, in order to relieve
pain from an accident. Peacock is following the law--he does not use it
in this state, where it is illegal. But he shouldn't have to make the
choice between expensive medications and limited medicinal use of marijuana.

Under state laws already enacted, and the measure proposed here, there
are restrictions to discourage illicit trade. Patients deciding to
grow their own marijuana have to keep it in a locked, enclosed area,
such as a greenhouse or closet accessible only to the patient or
caregiver. The bill also would allow the state to charge a fee to
dispensers, from pharmacies to hospital clinics to registered
marijuana producers. Insurers can rest easy, as the bill does not
require them to cover the treatments.

These provisions should help quell much of the debate, but opponents
also argue that the use of marijuana exposes the user to such
additional medical threats as psychosis, memory loss and cognition
problems. And, they insist, it's an addictive drug that provides a
gateway to other, harder drugs.

That's why solid scientific studies should be brought into this
debate. Clarity on risks and benefits still is needed. Although the
therapeutic use of marijuana has a history spanning 4,500 years,
gathering data on usage for the wide range of diseases marijuana is
claimed to alleviate remains a challenge.

With the right controls, though, compassion for those suffering
extreme pain and discomfort should prevail.