[LS]

First of all, I didn't "rant" about anything. I said there were logical alternative explanations for what might have happened. The fact that it turns out he did use these does not validate a "rush to judgment" (no pun intended) before the facts were out, anymore than it does with Kobe or (ugh) Michael Jackson.

Second, it is quite common for any user to try to acquire far more drugs than he can use and NOT sell them, precisely so as to have a "stash" if he can't get a prescription.

Third, I think the "doctor shopping" charge is ridiculous and is a bad law.

Fourth, I agree no one should see jail time for addiction to a pain med when there is a legitimate medical need. I do not equate this with use of horse or crack, however, and never will---or even X. Those offenses are worthy of jail time IMHO.

[Orangedog]

I wasn't singling you out. Others were on the warpath, though. I never thought he was dealing. But anyone who is busted with that amount of narcotics is routinely charged and tried for intent to distribute, weather or not they ever had any intention of dealing. When people have a habbit and the cash to support it, it's common for them to secure as large a supply as they can to avoid making numerous smaller purchases or having the supply cut.

[ConservativeMan55]

Bump for Truth and Justice!!!

[altura]

I have a stash of killer pecans and some of them are hidden from others, including (and especially) the nearest and dearest.

[Syncro]

Third, I think the "doctor shopping" charge is ridiculous and is a bad law.

In some cases, yes.

I was working with people with these problems some years ago, and one of them was at my house using my phone at about 5:15 pm.

She was calling her doctor, and of course another doctor was on call for phone calls that nite.

She BS'ed him, and got a script for Vicodin (her drug of choice at the time)

I think this law should be applied where necessary.