Medical marijuana bill on California ballot

From Correspondent Jim Hill

LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- A controversial initiative that would legalize the sale of marijuana to the critically ill is on California's November ballot. It's called Proposition 215, also known as the Medical Marijuana Initiative.

Those who oppose the initiative say Proposition 215 supporters are simply blowing smoke -- that the proposition's wording is so vague it virtually legalizes pot for anyone.

"I think that's the real sad part of this entire initiative," Brad Gates said. (318K AIFF or WAV sound)

AIDS patients like Richard Eastman, however, support the measure. Eastman says it's needed because smoking pot counteracts the side effects of medications, such as appetite loss or nausea.

"(AIDS drug) AZT can give people problems where you would need marijuana to combat the nausea," Eastman said. "In my case, I mainly use marijuana for appetite."

But some of the strongest opposition comes from the medical community.

The National Cancer Institute says "inhaling marijuana smoke is a health hazard" with "more than 400 potential cancer- causing compounds."

The American Cancer Society says it "does not believe that the results of clinical investigation are sufficient to warrant legislation decontrolling marijuana."

Legal form already exists

Currently, there is a form of marijuana that is legal. It's called marinol, a synthetic form of pot's active ingredient that palliates the pain of a crippling disease.

"For some people, it makes them feel better. It relieves some effects of the disease or of chemotherapy," said cancer specialist Rex Greene.

California lawmakers have passed two similar bills legalizing marijuana for medical use. But Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed both.

Thus, those seeking such relief have turned to the Cannabis Buyers' Club. Since 1991, the club has sold marijuana to the critically ill. It boasts 11,000 members who assure that marijuana helps the pain.

"There are a lot of unanswered questions. But the fact is that marijuana helps people," said Scott Imler, a Prop. 215 advocate. (318K AIFF or WAV sound)

The Cannabis Club, however, took a hit Sunday, when narcotics agents swooped in and seized marijuana and patient records from the San Francisco headquarters. The club was shut down late Monday, as well.

Nonetheless, the fight goes on.

"We don't have any marijuana, but we have each other," said volunteer Gilbert Baker. "We have love and compassion. That's what the club's been about from the start."

Volunteer Tony Derenzo lamented, "We're closed, we're closed."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Related sites:

• The National Cancer Institute
• The American Cancer Society California Division
• Marinol: The little synthetic that couldn't (High Times)
• The Access Project - Marinol
• Cannabis Buyers' Club

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