Pubdate: Sun, 22 Jan 2006 Source: Metrowest Daily News (MA) Copyright: 2006 MetroWest Daily News Contact: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/619 Author: Kim Hanna Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) HEED VOTERS ON MARIJUANA LAWS I remember legislative hearings on medical marijuana where Sen. Moore was deriding, sneering and laughing at sick people because they asked his help in getting medical marijuana. That was over five years ago. Those same people are still waiting for the Massachusetts State Legislature to act on medical marijuana legislation for the most sick and vulnerable citizens we have, while Sen. Moore still mocks them in your newspaper. Sen. Moore says, "Even if we were to pass the bill, it would have no meaning," and that is false. A state law for medical marijuana prevents arrest by local and state police when the patient is enrolled in the state marijuana program. That's what the Rhode island law does for sick people; it prevents local arrest. It protects people from arrest for possessing or growing marijuana. Since most arrests for marijuana are by local and state police, sick people have protection, and it is a very important state law. Sen. Moore is wrong on marijuana research since the feds block 99 percent of research requests and provide low-grade marijuana for any other tests that they approve. Research shows medical marijuana is very effective. Just Google and find out. Sen. Moore took an oath to represent his district, and his district has spoken with a 69 percent registered vote to allow medical marijuana. He should speed the marijuana forward or resign his position as a senator. The people have spoken. Kim Hanna - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin