Year: 2011
Resolution Number: 28
Action Taken: Disapproved
Status:
Author(s): Annette Mercatante, MD
Sponsor: Annette Mercatante, MD
On behalf of: St. Clair County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That the Michigan Delegation to the AMA ask the AMA to advocate that the consumption of marijuana be legalized within the same framework as other drugs deemed to be low risk or toxicity (alcohol and tobacco) and taxed accordingly, thus removing the role of a licensed practitioner to be the implicit gatekeeper for marijuana consumption.RATIONALE: The Committee appreciates the sentiment of the author that physicians have been thrust into the middle of the debate surrounding marijuana for medical purposes. Furthermore, the Committee was sympathetic with the notion that the term medical marijuana implies a degree of safety or legitimacy that does not necessarily exist. However, the Committee does not agree with the conclusion that this resolution draws which is to essentially legalize the use of marijuana. If the role a physician plays in the current process surrounding medical marijuana sends a mixed message to the public about the safety of marijuana, what message would be sent if the physician community were to support full legalization? The Committee believes that doctors are justified in feeling frustrated that they are left to clean up the mess because of a poorly worded ballot initiative. However, legalization simply goes too far.
RESOLVED: That the Michigan Delegation to the AMA ask the AMA to advocate that the consumption of marijuana be legalized within the same framework as other drugs deemed to be low risk or toxicity (alcohol and tobacco) and taxed accordingly, thus removing the role of a licensed practitioner to be the implicit gatekeeper for marijuana consumption.RATIONALE: The Committee appreciates the sentiment of the author that physicians have been thrust into the middle of the debate surrounding marijuana for medical purposes. Furthermore, the Committee was sympathetic with the notion that the term medical marijuana implies a degree of safety or legitimacy that does not necessarily exist. However, the Committee does not agree with the conclusion that this resolution draws which is to essentially legalize the use of marijuana. If the role a physician plays in the current process surrounding medical marijuana sends a mixed message to the public about the safety of marijuana, what message would be sent if the physician community were to support full legalization? The Committee believes that doctors are justified in feeling frustrated that they are left to clean up the mess because of a poorly worded ballot initiative. However, legalization simply goes too far.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Changing the Focus from Using Marijuana from a Medical to a Legal Issue