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August 7, 1997

Wheelchair Trek For Medical Marijuana Scheduled For Wisconsin Next Month

          August 7, 1997, Mondovi, WI:  Organizers of the original "Journey for Justice" are planning a second wheelchair trek in Wisconsin beginning on September 11.  "Journey for Justice" is a week-long demonstration in protest of the federal government's refusal to allow seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana.  The inaugural journey took place in Ohio this past May.
          Event coordinator Kay Lee, who uses marijuana medicinally to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis, said that she hopes the second "Journey for Justice" sends a strong message to state and federal politicians that there are thousands of seriously ill patients who benefit from the medicinal use of marijuana.  Lee also intends to drum up support for H.R. 1782, a federal bill in Congress that would remove federal restrictions that currently prevent physicians from legally prescribing marijuana.  "When common sense and compassion are in conflict with the law, then the law is wrong and must be changed," she said.
          Next month's event will feature medical marijuana patients from across the nation, including Wisconsin native Jackie Rickart, who is helping to organize the rally.  Rickart, who was approved by the federal government in 1990 to receive marijuana but has never had her prescription honored, is dedicating the demonstration to her late physician.
          The wheelchair trek will begin in Mondovi and travel 214 miles across the state before arriving at the capitol on September 18.  Participants intend to meet with Rep. Frank Boyle (D-73 District) and hold a press conference.  Boyle assured activists that he intends to propose legislation designed to protect medicinal marijuana patients from state criminal charges.
          Similar events are anticipated to take place this fall in Texas, North Carolina, and Florida.
          For more information, please contact Kay Lee @ (715) 926-4950.

Latest Survey On Drug Use Indicates Slight Dip In Adolescent Marijuana Use

          August 7, 1997, Washington, D.C.:  Use of marijuana by adolescents aged 12 to 17 dipped slightly in 1996, but increased moderately among adults, according to preliminary data from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) latest Household Survey on Drug Abuse.
          The percentage of adolescents who reported using marijuana at least once a month fell from 8.2 percent in 1995 to 7.1 percent.  This figure marked a reversal from annual rates of increasing use beginning in 1992.  Today's percentages are far lower than those recorded in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
          Marijuana use among adults rose slightly in 1996.  In all, more than 10 million Americans reported smoking marijuana monthly, and approximately 20 million admitted yearly use.  The study reported that almost 70 million Americans -- 32 percent of the adult population -- have tried marijuana.
          "In light of this overall usage data, marijuana prohibition appears to be a foolishly destructive policy," said NORML Executive Director R. Keith Stroup, Esq.  "How sensible is it to criminalize an activity that one third of the adult population admits having engaged in?"
          The report also noted that 77 percent of all current illicit drug users consume only marijuana or hashish.
          For more information, please contact either Keith Stroup or Paul Armentano of NORML @ (202) 483-8751.

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