Guam cannot "legalize" cannabis/marijuana for any purpose. Federal laws identify it as a controlled substance, so only they can "legalize" its use. Guam should pass a law permitting the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes and under strict conditions, as proposed in my Bill 423.
A U.S. jurisdiction desiring to allow for medicinal cannabis must follow the Ninth Circuit Court ruling, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld: doctors can legally recommend, but not dispense, cannabis to patients. To stay within the boundaries of law, doctors that recommend cannabis must certify that patients have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition or disease, and cannabis can help them.
Cannabis has been proven to benefit individuals with cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia (wasting syndrome), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, epilepsy/seizures, hepatitis C, severe migraines, multiple sclerosis/muscle spasms, Tourette's Syndrome and severe pain. Many veterans suffering from a variety of combat-related conditions, and the terminally ill, have been assisted and comforted by its use.
Despite many years of efforts by medical professionals to properly treat their patients, it wasn't until Oct. 19, 2009, when the Department of Justice issued a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys expressing a coherent federal government policy, allowing for the sick to be treated without legalizing cannabis. It states:
"As a general matter, pursuit of (significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking networks) should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department."
Bill 423 would allow doctors to recommend and certify that a medical condition could be relieved by using cannabis. A certified patient or caregiver could then purchase cannabis from a licensed Compassionate Care Center. Only three proposed nonprofit Care Centers will be permitted, which will be regulated under Guam law.
As an option, qualified patients/caregivers will be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for medicinal use, if they choose. Neither pharmacies nor doctors' offices will have cannabis for sale, and it will NOT be available at supermarkets or village stores.
Cannabis substitutes such as Marinol (a synthetic cannabinol) are too expensive for those without insurance. Patients concerned about carcinogens from smoking can use cannabis in cooking, in a vaporizer, or even to make tea.
This issue is about patient access to needed medicine. Scientists and medical professionals around the world have encouraged the use of cannabis for those truly in need. I urge our doctors to look carefully at the facts so they can support Guam in doing the same.
Rory J. Respicio (D-Agana Heights) is the majority leader and chairman of the Committee on Rules, Natural Resources and Federal, Foreign and Micronesian Affairs.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Pacific Daily News
Author: Rory J. Respicio
Copyright: 2010 Pacific Daily News
A U.S. jurisdiction desiring to allow for medicinal cannabis must follow the Ninth Circuit Court ruling, which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld: doctors can legally recommend, but not dispense, cannabis to patients. To stay within the boundaries of law, doctors that recommend cannabis must certify that patients have been diagnosed with a debilitating condition or disease, and cannabis can help them.
Cannabis has been proven to benefit individuals with cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia (wasting syndrome), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, epilepsy/seizures, hepatitis C, severe migraines, multiple sclerosis/muscle spasms, Tourette's Syndrome and severe pain. Many veterans suffering from a variety of combat-related conditions, and the terminally ill, have been assisted and comforted by its use.
Despite many years of efforts by medical professionals to properly treat their patients, it wasn't until Oct. 19, 2009, when the Department of Justice issued a memorandum to U.S. Attorneys expressing a coherent federal government policy, allowing for the sick to be treated without legalizing cannabis. It states:
"As a general matter, pursuit of (significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking networks) should not focus federal resources in your states on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department."
Bill 423 would allow doctors to recommend and certify that a medical condition could be relieved by using cannabis. A certified patient or caregiver could then purchase cannabis from a licensed Compassionate Care Center. Only three proposed nonprofit Care Centers will be permitted, which will be regulated under Guam law.
As an option, qualified patients/caregivers will be allowed to grow up to three cannabis plants for medicinal use, if they choose. Neither pharmacies nor doctors' offices will have cannabis for sale, and it will NOT be available at supermarkets or village stores.
Cannabis substitutes such as Marinol (a synthetic cannabinol) are too expensive for those without insurance. Patients concerned about carcinogens from smoking can use cannabis in cooking, in a vaporizer, or even to make tea.
This issue is about patient access to needed medicine. Scientists and medical professionals around the world have encouraged the use of cannabis for those truly in need. I urge our doctors to look carefully at the facts so they can support Guam in doing the same.
Rory J. Respicio (D-Agana Heights) is the majority leader and chairman of the Committee on Rules, Natural Resources and Federal, Foreign and Micronesian Affairs.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE
Source: Pacific Daily News
Author: Rory J. Respicio
Copyright: 2010 Pacific Daily News
