Considering Marijuana as Medicine

On the state ballot this fall is Proposition 215, a measure that would legalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Proponents argue that the drug helps lessen the pain of those suffering from illnesses such as AIDS, cancer and glaucoma.

A debate continues over the medical benefits of the drug as well as the ethical, legal, political and practical issues behind legalization.

Should marijuana be legalized for medical uses?

Griffith Thomas, Encino lawyer/pathologist

“I think frankly it’s a cruelty not to make these things available. . . . I think this is a death with dignity issue. . . . I don’t know of any society that would come out and say [we should not offer this relief]. The reason for not legalizing pot is because we can’t afford it. We can’t afford the unemployment that would be created when the [drug enforcement] bureaucracy is knocked out. . . . There are special interests who need things to stay where they are. “

Dr. Melvin Kirschner, family practitioner in Van Nuys

“I think the majority of the medical community is not in favor of legalizing marijuana. Those who are in favor of it primarily are using it for themselves. . . . I take care of terminally ill patients and I do quite well in terms of relieving their suffering and pain. . . . Why do we have to have a drug that is widely used as a recreational drug for medical purposes if we have other drugs that fill the bill? [But] I do not pretend to be an expert on it.”

Mark Senak, director of policy and planning, AIDS Project Los Angeles, which is taking a formal stand on the issue later this week.

“The medical marijuana issue is about getting people their choice. . . . I think there are some political overtones about marijuana left over from the ‘60s and Woodstock. If marijuana came to us the same way as [other more common drugs] you can bet we wouldn’t be having this conversation. . . . If it was something that costs a lot of money for research and development it would be before the FDA as we speak.”

Art Croney, executive director of the Committee on Moral Concerns

“It’s a scam. Marijuana has no medical benefit. . . . No one wants people to suffer needlessly. . . . [But] some of the proponents’ claims seem a little strange to me. . . . The nature of drugs is they make you feel good when in fact they are making your body worse. All marijuana is doing is getting them high and doing damage to their body. . . . If drug legalization advocates truly had compassion they would try legalizing marijuana outright. They are using suffering people to further their own aims.”

Dr. H. Rex Greene, oncologist in Pasadena

“My problem is I think it is so far off the point it’s not worth the trouble. The point is the war on drugs is a disastrous failure. . . . [Marijuana] is occasionally helpful, but whether it attacks your body or not is tangential. The drug that kills the most Americans is tobacco. Alcohol is second.”

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