MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Rep. Frank Aims to Ease Restrictions

      Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced a bill Tuesday that would put marijuana on a similar footing with cocaine and other controlled substances that can be prescribed by doctors, but the bill's prospects "appear slim." Making marijuana a Schedule II drug would allow physicians to prescribe the drug under tightly controlled conditions, but there is little chance the Republican- controlled House -- which adopted a resolution last year 310-93 that marijuana not be legalized for medical use -- will approve the measure (Washington Times, 3/4). Introducing the legislation for the third time since he has been in office, Frank said, "The irony is, of course, that many drugs much more harmful, much more powerful, much more addictive than marijuana can be prescribed" ( AP/Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 3/4).