Drug Policy Update
By Suzanne Wills, Drug Policy Chair
Summer, 2004
Since the last Voter deadline there have been many interesting developments in drug policy. Here are the major ones listed from local to international.
The Texas Medical Association unanimously adopted a new policy supporting the right of doctors and patients to discuss medical marijuana as a viable treatment option without fear of recrimination by authorities and reaffirmed the association's call for further research on medicinal marijuana.
The Texas Democratic Convention passed a “Resolution Protecting the Rights of Physicians to Recommend Medical Marijuana.” The newly passed Democratic platform supports the right of patients and their doctors to choose any medical treatment without interference from government bureaucrats and opposes denying student loans or grants to those convicted of a drug felony.
The newly passed Texas Republican platform opposes the movement toward the legalization of illicit drugs, entitlements based on addictive behaviors and any “needle exchange” or “bleach kit” programs.
Researchers at Texas State University at San Marcos published a study showing that the federal government’s anti-drug ads do little to dissuade young people from taking drugs,
may actually prompt some teens to experiment with drugs and spark thoughts that run counter to the ads' message.
Vermont became the 10th state to pass legislation allowing patients to possess marijuana for medicinal purposes. Maryland recognizes medical use as a mitigating factor in state prosecution. The District of Colombia has also passed a medical marijuana initiative.
U.S. District Court for the District of Colombia ruled that federal funds could not be withheld from transit authorities if they accept ads for their bus, train or subway systems promoting reform of drug laws. See “Free Speech on Drugs,” April, 2004 Voter.
By a vote of 148-268 the U.S. House of Representatives defeated an amendment that would have prevented the DEA and the U.S. Justice Department from spending more money to raid and prosecute medical marijuana patients and providers.
China sentenced dozens of drug dealers to death in June in preparation for U. N. International Day Against Drug Abuse. Chongqing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court convicted 16 people in a one-day mass public trial on June 26, then immediately killed them. See The UN and Drug Policy, May 2004.
The Swiss Parliament voted 92 to 102 against legalizing cannabis consumption.
As usual for every step forward there was a step backward or a lost opportunity.