cannabisnews.com: Defend Amendment 20


cannabisnews.com: Defend Amendment 20





Defend Amendment 20
Posted by FoM on November 19, 2000 at 08:06:11 PT
Editorial
Source: Denver Post
Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar said shortly after the Nov. 7 election that he might not be willing to defend the validity of Amendment 20, allowing the medical use of marijuana. Noting that federal law barring marijuana possession is in apparent conflict with the amendment, Salazar worried that the amendment might therefore not be legally defensible.The attorney general since has modified his view and told The Post he now expects to be able to plausibly defend against a possible challenge.
Explaining the change, Salazar enunciated what seems a sound standard for deciding whether to defend the decisions of Colorado voters: "I believe I have an obligation to defend the actions of the voters whenever there is a reasonable basis for that defense." The attorney general was quick to point out that there could be circum stances in which his office wouldn't defend the voters' decision.We find it hard to argue with Salazar's position even though we, like the attorney general, vigorously opposed passage of the initiative. Even if we regret the election outcome, we must presume that voters made a considered decision. And, absent special circumstances, the will of the voters deserves a defense.That does not mean this amendment doesn't have serious legal problems. Federal law regarding marijuana possession does appear to be in conflict with the amendment, and the experience of other states suggests it won't be long before these conflicts become apparent. In California, for example, federal prosecutors have taken action against doctors who prescribed medical marijuana.Admittedly, the amendment's authors attempted to anticipate and deal with the potential conflict here, but it remains to be seen if they succeeded.No court challenge has yet been filed, but history suggests it's only a matter of time.Amendment 20 raises very close legal questions, which is all the more reason to be pleased that Salazar is ready to do his part to properly present the issues to the appropriate court.Send a letter to the editor about this editorial. (Must include name, city and phone number.)This editorial represents the official opinion of The Denver Post as decided by the newspaper's editorial board.The members of the editorial board are Gerald E. Grilly, publisher; Glenn Guzzo, editor; Sue O'Brien, editorial page editor; Bob Ewegen, deputy editorial page editor; Peter G. Chronis, Angela Cortez, Al Knight, Penelope Purdy and Billie Stanton, editorial writers; Mike Keefe, cartoonist; Barbara Ellis, Peggy McKay, news editors. Source: Denver Post (CO)Published: November 19, 2000Copyright: 2000 The Denver PostAddress: 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202Fax: (303) 820.1502Contact: letters denverpost.com Website: http://www.denverpost.com/Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htmRelated Articles & Web Site:Coloradans For Medical Rights http://www.medicalmarijuana.com/Patients Inquire On Medical Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7620.shtmlVoters Approve Medical Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7601.shtmlEndorsement: No on Medical Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread7217.shtml
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on December 02, 2000 at 13:19:54 PT:
Letter To The Editor
War on Drugs Government's Biggest ProblemSource: Denver Post (CO)Published: December 3, 2000Copyright: 2000 The Denver PostAddress: 1560 Broadway, Denver, CO 80202Fax: (303) 820.1502Contact: letters denverpost.com Website: http://www.denverpost.com/Forum: http://www.denverpost.com/voice/voice.htmRe: "Defend Amendment 20," Nov. 19 editorial.I expect Attorney General Ken Salazar to assure that all the elderly in Colorado are aware of the medical implications of cannabis during the most uncomfortable parts of their frail lives. I expect Salazar to get the word out to the elderly or those who may benefit but would not if it meant breaking the law as before.It seems that Salazar does not get it or doesn't want to. He opposed the amend ment before the election.Does failing to defend our will also include continuing to ignore the racial discrimination and inhumane imprisoning of non-violent humans over even a benign substance like cannabis?My country is due for sensible, realistic revolutionary change, now. Politicians are responsible for giving away something they have no right to give away - our constitutional rights.The government is too aggressive in discriminatorily jailing its citizens and thus creating rampant contempt for government and its laws. Citizens have lost their patience with the U.S. government's "war for profit." It is becoming our biggest government problem due in part to political leaders' resistance to healthy, needed change. I will vote for leaders who are not afraid to make the necessary changes in our country's drug laws. Jailing your neighbor for using cannabis is a sin.Those who cage today may appear barbaric tomorrow. Those who vote to cage are the problem, not cannabis.STAN WHITE Dillon (Editor's note: Salazar originally said he might not be able to defend Amendment 20, but has since told The Post he believes it can be defended if challenged.)
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Comment #2 posted by michael on November 19, 2000 at 14:18:08 PT:
Where have you been Denver post?
 The federal government has not taken legal action against physicians in California. A threat by the feds has already been stomped on in the courts, a suit that was filed by the doctors by the way. Also, doctors are not and have never prescribed marijuana to a patient in California, only recommended. Am I wrong on this info? If so someone correct me please. 
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Comment #1 posted by ras james RSIFWH on November 19, 2000 at 14:05:17 PT
FEDERAL MEDICAL MARIJAUNA
the federal governments has for years and still does supply sick people with medical marijuana...if it is legal for the federal government to do, it is legal for any state.   REV 22 1&2...THE SIGNS OF THE MANIFESTING TREE OF LIFE will be KNOWN when a plant begins fruiting on both sides of the streets each month of the year (cannabis sativa fruits called achenes are ripening in grow rooms each month of the year all over america); when crystal clear waters begin flowing down the middle of the streets (car drivers are now driving with bottled water from the cleanest springs in the world...yes, now...today); and when the leaves of this plant also begin to be used as a healing medicine for the nation (medical marijuana is now manifesting in the USA). these signs mark the end of tribulations and the beginning of the CITY OF GOD. go ye and spread the GOOD NEWS...give all praise and thanks to JAH RASTAFARI...the QUEEN OF QUEENS has arrived...and the final judgement in the BOOK is now..."THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS BE WITH THE ALL."
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