Pubdate: Wed, 08 Sep 2004 Source: Willamette Week (OR) Copyright: 2004 Willamette Week Contact: http://www.wweek.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/499 Author: Rick Bayer, MD Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1242/a06.html SUPPORT THE KIND I was a co-author and chief petitioner for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act passed in 1998. Measure 33 will not hurt OMMA patients but will help any patient who runs out of medicine ["So Totally Harsh," WW, Sept. 1, 2004]. We are happy OMMA helped some like Stormy Ray find access to a safe, steady supply of medicine. But what about those patients left behind, such as cancer chemotherapy patients who need medicine immediately? Measure 33 creates dispensaries that will act like pharmacies and sell safe medicine to patients in a safe environment rather than forcing patients underground. Measure 33 is not legalization. Only patients qualified by an attending physician can register as a patient. We cannot let the war on medical marijuana interfere with choice in medical care. Voters who liked the OMMA should love Measure 33, because it is truly a patient's bill of rights. Vote Yes on 33. Rick Bayer, MD Southwest Canyon Drive - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake