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August 26, 2005
Straws in the Wind
Two reports in today's press offer point and counterpoint in the "debate"
over medical use of pot: the first is sure to get more attention: the
New York Times [ Justice Weighs Desire v Duty - Duty Prevails ]
reported on a speech in which Justice John Paul Stevens confessed regret
at having to rule in favor of the federal government's ability to enforce
its narcotics laws. "I have no hesitation in telling you that I agree with
the policy choice made by the millions of California voters," he said. But
given the broader stakes for the power of Congress to regulate commerce,
he added, "our duty to uphold the application of the federal statute was
pellucidly clear."
In the other item [see * below], the Sacramento Bee's Washington reporter--
probably because of the ridicule a DEA lawyer had heaped on well-known (state)
Senator John Vasconcellos-- who was testifying on behalf of a Massachusetts
researcher wanting to grow decent pot for research-- reported extensively
on an otherwise obscure DC hearing. In passing, he also described how
a second DEA lawyer assailed Rick Doblin over his own pot use *.
My distress is at the gross error in the government position Stevens voted
last June to uphold, the 'reform' position Rick Doblin typifies in
characterizing his own pot use as "recreational," and the failure of the
media to recognize that the DEA's adamant resistance to any unbiased research
is the very antithesis of the "science" that our drug policy claims to be
based on.
The greatest irony of all is that the main reason "kids" (and adults) use
pot on a regular basis is that it treats their injured self-esteem more safely
and effectively than any of the prescribed psychotropic medications-- as
well as tobacco and alcohol.
Dr. Tom
*Vasconcellos' long-ago self-esteem panel is derided by DEA lawyer.
Posted by tjeffo at August 26, 2005 04:01 AM