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David R. Brinkley, Maryland State Delegate. |
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February 9, 2001 - The Daily Record Online (MD) Source: http://www.mddailyrecord.com/archives/1_186_law/localnews/24439-1.html
By
TOM STUCKEY
A diverse groups of lawmakers — Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals — joined together yesterday to introduce legislation that would let Marylanders use marijuana for medical purposes. “I’ve been here for six years, and I can’t remember when I’ve seen a more diverse groups of sponsors,” said Del. Donald Murphy, R-Baltimore County, chief sponsor of the bill. Several of the 25 sponsors — 7 Republicans and 18 Democrats — who attended the news conference said politics are not an issue in the debate over whether doctors should be able to recommend to their patients that they smoke marijuana to relieve the side effects of powerful drugs used to treat cancer and AIDS. “We’re not talking about liberals or conservatives. This is a bipartisan issue,” said Del. David Valderamma, D-Prince George’s. Like some of the other sponsors, Valderamma had a personal story to tell about the terrible price cancer and AIDS patients can pay as they fight for their lives. He spoke of his sister who used marijuana to overcome pain and nausea caused by her treatment for breast cancer while living in New York. But when she came to stay with him in Maryland, she quit out of respect for his position as an elected official, Valderamma said. “She died from cancer, a painful death,” he said. Del. David Brinkley, R-Frederick, said he did not use marijuana when he was treated 12 years ago for lymphoma even though he underwent “severe, pretty aggressive, hostile treatment.” But he said since doctors can prescribe other powerful and addictive drugs, they should be able to recommend marijuana to their patients if it will help. Murphy’s bill would remove state criminal penalties for severely ill patients and their caregivers when their doctor recommends the use of marijuana. The bill would allow them to possess seven plants and three ounces of marijuana. Marijuana use would remain illegal under federal law, but Robert Kampia, executive director of the Marijuana Policy Project, said almost all marijuana cases nationwide are prosecuted under state laws. He also said it is unlikely anyone would be prosecuted by the U.S. attorney for possession of minimal amounts of marijuana taken at the recommendation of a physician. Murphy has introduced similar legislation the last two years, but it has died in committee. He believes, however, he is picking up a little more support each year, and this year’s list of 25 sponsors is the most ever. A similar bill has been introduced this year for the first time in the Senate by Sen. Ulysses Currie, D-Prince George’s. Proponents of medical marijuana say it helps relieve nausea caused by chemotherapy and radiation and relieves pressure that builds up in the eyes of glaucoma patients. There is disagreement within the scientific and medical communities about whether marijuana is helpful in controlling nausea. Opponents of Murphy’s bill question whether it is effective and worry that passage of the law could encourage marijuana use by people who do not need it for medical reasons. Shaleen Putman, whose husband died of non-Hodgkins lymphoma, joined lawmakers at the news conference to talk of the relief her husband, Darrell, received from marijuana. She said he suffered severe nausea from the radiation and drugs he took in the unsuccessful battle to save his life. “He was literally starving to death from the chemotherapy and the radiation,” Putman said. When he started smoking marijuana, he regained his appetite and began to gain weight. “We saw results,” she said.
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Authority: Friends of David R. Brinkley - Sallie M. Brinkley, Treasurer Website Copyright © 2001, dbrinkley.com, All Rights Reserved. |
