March 25th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, Opinion
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Marijuana Is A Non-Toxic Medicine – It is undisputed among the medical community that marijuana contains medicinal value to patients of multiple degenerative illnesses, and the American College Of Physicians (ACP) told the government just last month to back off states that have approved medical marijuana, as well as demanding further research be done. (ACP Endorsement)
Marijuana For The Economy – Although marijuana and hemp are fundamentally different, both are currently illegal to cultivate and both hold much potential for our struggling economy. Hemp is a great alternative to plastics and textiles in many industries, as well as having a high yield-per-acre for ethanol production (more than corn). Marijuana, on the other hand, is the biggest cash crop in the United States that is not taxed. We lose an estimated $42 billion a year (article) to marijuana prohibition alone, with $10 billion going to law enforcement and $32 billion in lost tax revenue (don’t be surprised to see double that number to double in the case of legalization). At a time our economy is struggling, we need all the new streams of revenue we can get.
Marijuana Prohibition Is Destroying Lives – Unlike the Drug Czar John Walters’ anti-marijuana commercials tells you it is marijuana prohibition that is destroying lives. In 2006 almost 800,000 people were arrested on marijuana related charges, with about 730,00 being for mere possession. Due to limited funding, pro-legalization organizations don’t have the money to air ads on the story of Will Foster, Weldon Angelos, or any of the other victims on the marijuana policy project’s victims page.
The People Want It – In the Barney Frank article referenced above, even Frank acknowledges that politicians are way behind the public in their support for marijuana. I suggest anyone that is interested in the statistics of support for decriminalization check out this article. 47% Of Americans admit to trying marijuana at least once, 80% support its medical use, and 76% support decriminalization for personal use.
Civil Liberties – There seems to be something fundamentally wrong and unconstitutional about the government regulating drugs in the first place. At the very least, many, including US Rep. Barney Franks feel that the matter should be left up to the states (article). Frank also made a comment on the show Real Time about how many believe that decriminalizing or legalizing pot would be sending the message of “pot is ok” to children. He asked if you would rather send them the message “we are hypocrites”.
In conclusion, I hope you will at least rethink your position on marijuana, and read some of the sources I have provided. , From protecting our civil rights, to easing the pain of an aids patient, or saving an 18 year old kid from getting rejected for financial aid, there are many benefits that both decriminalization and legalization will bring. The only way the laws will change is through education and taking action. To e-mail your district US Rep. in support of Barney Franks planned legislation you can contact them through a quick and easy e-mail form here.
March 16th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, News
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Illinois - Members of the Senate Public Health Committee voted 6-4 to legalize the use of medical marijuana in Illinois. A similar bill fell just shy of a majority vote in the Senate last year, and the legislation would make Illinois the 13th state to legalize medical use of marijuana.
The bill will allow patients with “debilitating medical conditions” to obtain a prescription from their doctor. Under these circumstances, possession of under 8 plants and 2 ½ ounces of useable marijuana would be considered legal.
Two weeks ago New Hampshire passed similar legislation so there may soon be 14 states that have disobeyed federal regulations regarding medical marijuana. That, coupled with the American College of Physicians’ endorsement of the drug a couple weeks ago, should push the federal government to repeal the ban on medical marijuana.
February 20th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Marijuana Effects, Medical Marijuana, News
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The American College Of Physicians is the second biggest doctor’s organization in America, consisting of 124,000 physicians. Yesterday the college issued a statement pointing to strong evidence that marijuana is useful in treating AIDS wasting syndrome, glaucoma, and easing side effects from cancer.
Here is a summary of their main argument:
"Position 1: ACP supports programs and funding for rigorous scientific evaluation of the potential therapeutic benefits of medical marijuana and the publication of such findings.
Position 1a: ACP supports increased research for conditions where the efficacy of marijuana has been established to determine optimal dosage and route of delivery.
Position 1b: Medical marijuana research should not only focus on determining drug efficacy and safety but also on determining efficacy in comparison with other available treatments.
Position 2: ACP encourages the use of non-smoked forms of THC that have proven therapeutic value.
Position 3: ACP supports the current process for obtaining federal research-grade cannabis.
Position 4: ACP urges review of marijuana’s status as a schedule I controlled substance and its reclassification into a more appropriate schedule, given the scientific evidence regarding marijuana’s safety and efficacy in some clinical conditions.
Position 5: ACP strongly supports exemption from federal criminal prosecution; civil liability; or professional sanctioning, such as loss of licensure or credentialing, for physicians who prescribe or dispense medical marijuana in accordance with state law."
The American College Physicians is the first medical organization to outright oppose the governments laws against medical marijuana. This is a historic step towards the medical community’s acceptance of marijuana as medicine. The largest medical organization in the United States, the American Medical Association, has lagged behind on the issue, and this will put pressure on them to follow suit.
Source: http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/524/american_college_physicians_medical_marijuana_policy_statement
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