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June 09, 2005

Modern Quackery

Mark Souder, in today's WashTimes, compares medical marijuana to the Carbolic Smoke Ball Co.'s product of the late 1800's. (The Carbolic case, for my non-legal readers, involved what was probably one of the first instances of a consumer suing a company for its false advertising claims.) Interesting analogy.....and something I think is too often overlooked in the quest for increasing states' rights.

Medicinal use of marijuana is a myth. It's snake oil salesmanship (Cures *cough* hoarseness!) with an entirely different ultimate goal. The legalisation of marijuana use for everyone.

Consider this. Do you honestly think if there was some verifiable medical benefit from marijuana use, that there wouldn't be at least one of the big drug companies heavily lobbying for its legalization? Marijuana, from what I've seen, is a relatively easy, high-return crop to grow. So why isn't the farmers' lobby pushing for its legalization? There's money to be made there. Why aren't these groups supporting the efforts to overcome the 'social stigma' of marijuana use?

Because they don't have the hard science and medical evidence to back them up. That's why.

What they do have is smoke and mirrors, the happy sunshine smoke of those who really, really want the ability to legally smoke reefer. And an increasing number of states' rights supporters who should know better than to fall for their patter.

Did the majority in Raich contort the Commerce Clause almost beyond recognition to justify federal supremacy in the area? Duh. Sure it did. I mean, come on. Using Wickard as precedence? Even I find it hard to say that with a straight face.

Medical marijuana, at this point at least, has a minute effect on interstate commerce. But that doesn't mean that Congress doesn't have the superior power to regulate it under its general welfare powers, just like any other product. States have never had the exclusive power to regulate a consumer product, especially one with such a potential to be harmful.

You can't lose what you never had.

Posted by Rita at June 9, 2005 03:53 AM

Comments

Ironically in 1984 when my dad was first diagnosed as having a brain tumor by the US Navy, they actually recommended him to smoke dope for the pain.

However they wouldn't sign a chit for him if got caught.

He decided to *not* take them up on it.

Sad, eh?

Posted by: BloodSpite at June 9, 2005 08:46 AM