Republicans back use of pot if prescribed by physicians

Times Herald-Record (NY) ^ | May 11, 2005 | John Milgrim

[Know your rights]

I would imagine that a transdermal skin patch could be quite effective and one could avoid the cancer risks associated with smoking.

I'm all for researching the possibility, but I'm against making sick people suffer until it's ready.

[robertpaulsen]

"but I'm against making sick people suffer until it's ready."

Better that they die?

A patient with a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy or AIDS may die from the bacteria or fungi found in home grown (or co-op) marijuana. Yet you support the states that distribute marijuana in such a manner?

Well, hell. They're gonna die anyways. Why not, right?

(Oh, if they're going to die anyways, Mein MrLeRoy, can we do some medical experiments on them also?)

[robertpaulsen]

There was this mayor in New York who didn't agree with your philosophy and found that going to the "trouble and expense" of fighting "minor" crimes made a significant difference on overall crime in the city.

Sorry to burst your bubble -- it was an otherwise great-sounding post.

[TKDietz]

"There was this mayor in New York who didn't agree with your philosophy and found that going to the 'trouble and expense' of fighting 'minor' crimes made a significant difference on overall crime in the city."

It didn't reduce marijuana use though did it, rp? Overall crime dropped sharply. Marijuana possession arrests went up several thousand percent in New York City since 1992, but marijuana use apparently went up there over that same period just as it did in the rest of the country. Your example just bolsters the argument I've been making with you all along. Aggressive law enforcement tactics are much more effective at reducing crimes where there are victims than at discouraging marijuana use.

[robertpaulsen]

So you expect me to believe that usage would not rise with legalization.

Nope, I don't buy that.

[TKDietz]

Did I say that?

[Know your rights]

A patient with a compromised immune system due to chemotherapy or AIDS may die from the bacteria or fungi found in home grown (or co-op) marijuana. Yet you support the states that distribute marijuana in such a manner?

I support such matters being dealt with by doctors and patients, not government bureaucrats.

Well, hell. They're gonna die anyways. Why not, right?

I support medical liberty for terminal and nonterminal patients.

(Oh, if they're going to die anyways, Mein MrLeRoy, can we do some medical experiments on them also?)

If the patient gives free informed consent, yes.