March 16, 2009

Should Medical Marijuana Be Legal Forum @ LRCC

Photo: Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) President, Dr. Mark Edelstein (standing), introduces panelist Chief Richard Crate (seated), representing the NH Association of Chiefs of Police, prior to the “Should Medical Marijuana be Legal?” forum held at LRCC this afternoon. Crate; Skip Murphy, Radio Commentator; and Karin Eckel, representing the Attorney General’s Office; spoke opposing legalization of marijuana for medical purposes. Panelists speaking in favor were Matt Simon, Executive Director, NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy; Sandra Drew, retired ICU nurse and Multiple Sclerosis patient; and Dr. James Pilliod, Physician and NH Representative.

"Debates on timely issues such as this provide a positive community service," says LRCC Political Science Professor, Scott Cracraft, one of the individuals organizing the event. "House Bill 648, which would legalize medical marijuana, is currently under consideration. The six well-prepared panelists did an excellent job of laying out the arguments for and against this legislation."