EDITORIAL : BAD MEDICINE.It's easy to envision what headlines across the nation would proclaim pro·claim tr.v. pro·claimed, pro·claim·ing, pro·claims 1. To announce officially and publicly; declare. See Synonyms at announce. 2. if voters approve Proposition 215. Here's a likely one: ``California goes to pot.'' Such a characterization would be awfully close to the truth. While the intent of Proposition 215 is to legalize le·gal·ize tr.v. le·gal·ized, le·gal·iz·ing, le·gal·iz·es To make legal or lawful; authorize or sanction by law. le the use of marijuana marijuana or marihuana, drug obtained from the flowering tops, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (see hemp) or C. indica; the latter species can withstand colder climates. for medical purposes, the measure certainly would make it more difficult for society to enforce laws that seek to prevent the use of marijuana by others, including children. For example, anyone who is designated as a ``primary care giver'' would be free to possess and cultivate marijuana for a patient (or patients) on the strength of a written or oral recommendation of a doctor. No prescriptions, licenses, permits or security would be required. Another problem with Proposition 215 is that it sidesteps established scientific procedures and consumer-protection laws. Proposition 215 would bypass the Food and Drug Administration. It would allow doctors so inclined to prescribe marijuana for anything, from AIDS and cancer to common colds and hangovers. Supporters of Proposition 215 argue that doctors should be free to prescribe any medicine capable of relieving suffering. However, the American Cancer Society American Cancer Society, n.pr established in 1913, this national volunteer-based health organization is committed to the elimination of cancer through prevention and treatment and to diminishing cancer suffering through advocacy, scholarship, research, says that marijuana ``is not an appropriate substitute for appropriate anti-nausea drugs for cancer chemotherapy and vomiting vomiting, ejection of food and other matter from the stomach through the mouth, often preceded by nausea. The process is initiated by stimulation of the vomiting center of the brain by nerve impulses from the gastrointestinal tract or other part of the body. .'' There's a chance, of course, that the scientific community eventually might change its mind about the medical use of marijuana. But that bridge can be crossed later. Proposition 215, on the other hand, would tie the hands of the Legislature if it needed to deal with this question in a more rational way. PROP 215 AT A GLANCE Here is a summary of Proposition 215 on the Nov. 5 statewide general election ballot: Medical use of marijuana: Would exempt patients and designated care givers, who possess or cultivate marijuana for medical treatment recommended by a physician, from criminal laws that otherwise prohibit the possession or cultivation of marijuana. States that physicians who recommend the use of marijuana for medical treatment shall not be punished or denied any right or privilege. States that the measure shall not be construed to supersede To obliterate, replace, make void, or useless. Supersede means to take the place of, as by reason of superior worth or right. A recently enacted statute that repeals an older law is said to supersede the prior legislation. prohibitions of conduct endangering others or condone condone v. 1) to forgive, support, and/or overlook moral or legal failures of another without protest, with the result that it appears that such breaches of moral or legal duties are acceptable. the diversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes. The Daily News recommends: NO CAPTION(S): box BOX: Prop 215 at a glance (see text) |
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