MEDICAL MARIJUANA: L.A. Times Voices Support, Criticizes Congressman’s Waffling

      An editorial in today's Los Angeles Times comes out "in favor of the tightly controlled use of marijuana for medical purposes." The Times asks, "If your cancer-stricken cousin can't keep any food down because of the nausea from chemotherapy, shouldn't he be able to use, with a doctor's prescription, anything that might help him?" According to the editorial, this example "is from the real life experience of" Rep. James Rogan (R-CA), who as a member of the California Assembly cited his cousin's experience in backing "a tightly crafted bill" to allow the medical use of marijuana. Now, however, the Times notes that Rogan supports a "nonbinding House resolution stating the House 'is unequivocally opposed to legalizing marijuana for medicinal purposes.'" Criticizing Rogan's change of heart, the editorial states, "Mr. Congressman, we know you haven't forgotten your cousin, and hope it's not politics that prompts you to consider putting your name to" the nonbinding resolution. The Times concludes, "The fact is, medical marijuana can raise the quality of life for many, if not outright save the lives of some. For the national body of the people's elected representatives to 'unequivocally oppose' such use in unconscionable" (3/25).