cannabisnews.com: Democratic Candidate Backs Medical Marijuana Democratic Candidate Backs Medical Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on May 29, 2003 at 16:41:48 PT By Beth Fouhy, Associated Press Source: Associated Press Congressman Dennis Kucinich, a 2004 Democratic presidential candidate, said Thursday that if elected he would issue an executive order supporting the use of medical marijuana "as an act of compassion and expression of humanity." "If a doctor makes that determination, or the patient asks for it, I think it ought to be permitted," Kucinich said in a phone interview. "I've talked to too many people who have had family members suffering from terminal illness who feel it would provide them the most relief from pain and suffering." Kucinich is the only Democratic presidential candidate to come out so far in favor of legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Such use is legal in California and seven other states, but federal law prohibits the use of marijuana for any purpose. "My office would be involved in not only overturning the law, but in facilitating the use of medical marijuana as an act of compassion and expression of humanity," the Ohio congressman said. "Our humanity requires we help them in their suffering." Northern California has been the setting for several high-profile raids on medical marijuana clinics by federal law enforcement officials in recent months. The state's voters approved a measure in 1996 allowing the drug to be used for medical purposes, but drug enforcement officials say federal law takes precedence. In January, Oakland-based marijuana activist Ed Rosenthal was convicted on federal charges of pot cultivation. Rosenthal said he legally grew marijuana for medical use under the 1996 law, and was deputized by the city of Oakland to carry out that task. He faces sentencing next week. "It's not something the federal government ought to be involved in, raiding offices and throwing people in jail. I think it's absolutely crazy," Kucinich said. "And it's really hypocritical for the federal government, which has failed in the war on drugs, to turn on patients." At an appearance in San Francisco on Wednesday, fellow Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Edwards said that as president he would not change the existing law, but would set up a commission to study the medical effects of the drug. Source: Associated PressAuthor: Beth Fouhy, Associated PressPublished: May 29, 2003Copyright: 2003 Associated Press Related Articles & Web Sites:Dennis Kucinich 2004http://www.kucinich.us/Ed Rosenthal's Pictures & Articleshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/trialpics.htm5 Years Sought for Pot Grower http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16442.shtmlDemocrat Kucinich Endorses Medical Pot Use http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16441.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #4 posted by VitaminT on May 30, 2003 at 07:50:12 PT Finally a Dem. w/ TWO Cajones Not only that, he's got the BACKBONE to hold 'em up!Democratic presidential candidates for the most part have had a hard time doing the right thing in the past 20 years. They've squandered so much effort trying to act like Republicans that they forgot that they had "values" of their own and that "values" is NOT a term invented by right-wing religous fanatics!The man from Ohio won't win in '04 but he could give me a reason to believe that there is hope for the party's collective soul. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on May 29, 2003 at 22:20:05 PT Nuevo Mexican It's good to see you. Yes, this is good news and I hope he stands strong for medical marijuana. You know why? That's being compassionate and is a very important quality that we need to have in our leaders. I believe that a politican that has given the issue of marijuana some serious thought and sees that this is very important thinks wisely concerning other important matters too. We aren't cons or bad people but people that believe that this war on a plant has gone on way too long and society is paying a very dear price for it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Nuevo Mexican on May 29, 2003 at 22:05:31 PT Kucinich is the man!!!!!! Hi FOM! I've been spending my promoting kucinich, who has now made it safe for the others to come out, but will they? Only Kucinich has convictions, and sticks to them. Mixed blessing in Canada, but I see the fall of prohibition sooner than later. Leave it to kucinich to be the one who has the spine the Democrats sorely lack. I suggest everyone at C-news dedicate their time to getting this 'better than Gary Johnson' candidate elected, as he is the most anti-war as well. He has the same star chart as Ghandi, which I think fits well. Go to http//www.kucinich.us and read up on the next president! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by delariand on May 29, 2003 at 16:47:02 PT Ow, my jaw... bumped it good when it hit the floor...I'll have to see how he stands on other issues but this may be enough for my vote on it's own :) [ Post Comment ] Post Comment