cannabisnews.com: A Possible Model for Medical Marijuana A Possible Model for Medical Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on October 21, 2004 at 07:54:04 PT Editorial Source: Detroit Free Press Ann Arbor voters will decide, via a proposed charter amendment, whether to stop prosecuting marijuana users if they have a medical recommendation for it. As with the proposal that passed in Detroit in August, this ballot measure resulted from a petition drive. It affects only city rules; marijuana charges can still be brought under state and federal law. City officials seem uncertain how they'll proceed if the proposal passes. As a charter amendment, the Ann Arbor proposal has advantages over Detroit's detailed code change, which this newspaper opposed because of its sloppy construction. The proposed Ann Arbor language gives the city leeway to make reasoned judgments on who is qualified to recommend marijuana and what form that "recommendation" takes. The charter language also protects sale of marijuana, giving it away or growing it in such cases. If there is a way to do this well in Michigan, the confluence of medical and legal professionals, along with other interested folks in Ann Arbor, should be able to accomplish it within this framework -- and perhaps provide a model for other cities, or eventual statewide implementation. At least nine states already allow medical use of marijuana, and Montana will vote on it Nov. 2. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments Nov. 29 in a California case, to determine whether federal authority overrides state law on medical marijuana. The court's decision will affect how states proceed more than any local action can. But in the meantime, Ann Arbor voters should say YES to Proposal C, to allow medical marijuana use. Marijuana seems to give invaluable relief for people suffering from some types of pain and nausea, filling a gap that modern medicine still can't always address. They shouldn't have to fear being branded as criminals. Source: Detroit Free Press (MI)Published: October 21, 2004Copyright: 2004 Detroit Free PressContact: letters freepress.comWebsite: http://www.freep.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Ann Arbor MMJ Initiativehttp://www.aammi.org/Pot Goes To The Polls http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19586.shtmlMedicinal Pot Use On A2 Ballothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19534.shtmlMedical Marijuana Lands Spot on Ballot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19035.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #1 posted by ekim on October 21, 2004 at 18:44:13 PT oct 24 event of the Ann Arbor medical marijuana city charter amendment campaign: Date: October 24, 2004 Place: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Ann Arbor 4001 Ann Arbor Saline Rd. Ann Arbor, Mich. 48103 Time: 12:45 - 2:00 p.m. Organized by Charles Ream 4500 W. Liberty Rd., Ann Arbor, Mich, 48103 (734) 761-5869 cell 395-0811 Many Ann Arbor residents are aware that marijuana (cannabis) has extraordinary value in a wide variety of painful and/or life threatening situations. It allows people who are suffering with cancer chemotherapy, AIDS, and other conditions to keep their food down and their weight up, improving their lives and chances for survival. It treats any type of pain, and is particularly useful for arthritis. Multiple Sclerosis, glaucoma, migraine headache, menstrual pain, insomnia, spasticity and seizure disorders, addiction, tinnitus, and many other physical and psychological disorders can be successfully treated with cannabis. It has been a major medication for thousands of years. Such lists merely scratch the surface of the medical potential in cannabis. Cannabinoids attach themselves to a newly discovered set of "receptors" in the body which are widely dispersed and influence many symptoms. They cannot stop your heart or your breathing at any dose. Cannabis has been found to protect brain cells in cases of trauma or stroke. It will reduce and eliminate tumors in the body by cutting the blood supply to them. Results like this cause research funding to be cut off, as patients suffer and die needlessly. Innocent patients, members of families like yours and mine, are sacrificed to the absurd cultural war against cannabis that the federal government will not give up. Come to the Forum where we will bring this question into the light. Forum Program Will Feature: Charles Ream: Organizer of the Ann Arbor Medical Marijuana city charter amendment ballot initiative. He will provide an overview of the Medical Marijuana question, describe the Ann Arbor question (Proposal C) which will be on the Nov. 2 city ballot, and explain why he thinks medical cannabis saved his life. Matthew and Laura Barber: Matthew is a fully disabled gulf war veteran with severe Multiple Sclerosis. He now can walk (and see) because of medical marijuana. Matthew faces trial and possible imprisonment in Traverse City for possession of the natural herb that gave his life back to him. Matthew will travel to Ann Arbor to tell you his story and describe his defense. Ann Arbor Patients will speak - people who dare not speak their name because of fear. What does that say about "the land of the free". WE NEED YOU to speak about how you have known medical marijuana to be used, whether you are a nurse, patient, or caregiver. We hope people who have experienced the usefulness of medical marijuana will dare to speak out - many for the first time. JOIN US FOR A FASCINATING FORUM: MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN ANN ARBOR First Unitarian Universalist Church of Ann Arbor Oct 24, 2004 12:45 - 2:00 p.m. http://www.minorml.org [ Post Comment ] Post Comment