Wilton Bulletin
Medical marijuana: Panel in Wilton to debate the pros and cons

Nov 23, 2007

Although Gov. M. Jodi Rell vetoed a bill in support of medical marijuana a few weeks after it passed through the state Senate in June, the issue of prescribing cannabis to sick patients is one that’s not likely to go away any time soon. Because of this, the Wilton League of Women Voters is presenting a “hot topic” discussion on the subject.

On Thursday, Nov. 29, the League of Women Voters and the Wilton Library are co-sponsoring a forum on medical marijuana. It will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Brubeck Room at the library.

“We have kind of a tradition in Wilton of providing programs that are interesting and maybe a little provocative,” said Carole Young-Kleinfeld, speaking on behalf of the league. In the past, the league has hosted forums on civil unions, immigration and the Patriot Act, she said.

“The league really has no position on these topics,” she said. “They are topics we just think the public might be interested in hearing an interesting debate on, with both sides of the issue.”

The panel includes State Rep. Toni Boucher, Republican of the 143rd District, and Michael Lawlor, Democrat of the 99th District, as well as oncologist Dr. Andrea Ruskin of Norwalk Hospital, and Dr. Seyed Aleali of St. Vincent’s Hospital, according to Ms. Young-Kleinfeld.

Ms. Boucher supports Ms. Rell’s decision to veto the bill.

“After exhaustive study and consultations with many state and national experts as well as cancer patients, I became increasing convinced that the argument that smoked marijuana is medically necessary is untrue,” Ms. Boucher wrote in her press release following Ms. Rell’s veto. “The facts just are not there.”

Ms. Boucher said that there are alternatives for medical marijuana, such as painkillers, which offer similar benefits while not damaging the patient’s lungs.

 “There are no FDA-approved medications that are smoked,” Ms. Boucher wrote. “This is because it is a terrible way to deliver medicine of any kind. It is impossible to administer any regulated dosage this way.”

Mr. Lawlor, however, believes that medical marijuana is an issue worthy of consideration.

“I think it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to have something technically against the law when in reality the law is not enforced,” Mr. Lawlor said in a phone interview on Monday. “A lot of people use marijuana for medicinal purposes, but police don’t arrest them and prosecutors don’t prosecute” them, he said, adding that he believes medical marijuana should be legalized and regulated.

Mr. Lawlor said that there’s a lot of interest in the subject, and that most people are in favor of it.

“Just look at the public opinion polls,” he said. “It’s pretty clear.”

Ms. Young-Kleinfeld is looking forward to the event. “I think it should be very interesting,” she said.

After each speaker’s presentation, the audience will be able to ask questions.

“I’m not sure what the questions will be,” Ms. Young-Kleinfeld said. “Will they come from parents concerned about teenagers? People who have had cancer themselves or have seen parents or relatives suffering from debilitating diseases?”

The program is free of charge, and is open to the public. Advanced registration is suggested. Information: 762-3950 or wiltonlibrary.org/events.

© Copyright 2007 by Hersam Acorn Newspapers