Court Needs Stronger Dose of Humanity
March 14, 2007
(Washington, D.C., March 14, 2007) Humanists were alarmed to learn today of
the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling against a California woman's access
to life-saving medicine. Executive director Roy Speckhardt, of the American
Humanist Association responded, "In light of this inhumane decision, we call
on Congress to introduce legislation that will respect California's right to
self-determination in legalizing medicinal marijuana."
Angel Raich, who lost a 9th Circuit Court appeal today is suffering from
scoliosis, a brain tumor, and other ailments. Her doctors have stated that
if she is unable to use medicinal marijuana she may very well lose her life.
There are no other drugs that will alleviate her pain and nausea enough so
she is able to eat. The court ruled that Raich, despite the fact that her
home state of California has legalized medicinal marijuana, could still be
subjected to federal prosecution for illegal drug use.
"Where is Congress in this life and death matter?" asked Speckhardt. "It was
only two years ago that the U.S. Congress, in the name of the 'sanctity of
life,' took the drastic action of intervening in the court case of Terri
Schiavo, who was declared brain dead by doctors. Congress seems to have no
difficulty setting aside their busy agenda to violate family wishes for a
death with dignity, but they can't pass legislation that would save the life
of not only this woman but alleviate the suffering of others afflicted with
similar ailments. Their misplaced priorities are endangering lives."
Marijuana has proven itself a powerful medicine, providing relief for
numerous ailments and a range of symptoms. In recognition of these facts,
medicinal marijuana has been legalized by several states, including
California, Nevada and Oregon. Yet the federal government maintains the
drug's illegality and denies its medical benefits. The only action taken to
date has been that sponsored by Dana Rohrabacher, R-CA, and Maurice Hinchey,
D-NY, which would have blocked the Justice Department from prosecuting
medical marijuana users in states where it is legal. The House rejected this
legislation by a vote of 264-161.
