9th MAY 2003 Medicinal MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT VICTORIES

Medicinal MEDICAL MARIJUANA MOVEMENT NOTCHES SEVERAL VICTORIES Two states move closer to legalizing medical marijuana, while court battles in two other jurisdictions end with favorable verdicts for legalization proponents. Legislatures in Vermont and Maryland have moved toward legalizing the medical use of marijuana.  In addition, recent legal challenges in two jurisdictions have ruled in favor of the controversial use of marijuana for patients with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other debilitating illnesses. In Vermont, the state Senate in March passed a comprehensive measure legalizing and tightly controlling the cultivation and use of marijuana by patients.  The Vermont Psychiatric Association ( VPA ) has actively supported the effort to legalize marijuana for specific purposes under significant controls and restrictions. " The VPA took this position because we felt that decisions about health care should remain between individuals and their physicians," noted VPA public affairs representative David Fassler, M.D., who is also an APA trustee-at-large.  "In general, we are wary about government intrusion into the practice of medicine.  We realize that the use of marijuana for medical purposes remains controversial.  Yet, many of the treatments we use in medicine today are controversial.  We are concerned, however, when these issues get overly politicized.  In general, that isnt a good way to make public policy." ... ... (mapinc.org+) READ MORE Tchek The latest News from MAPINC.ORG

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