HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0990.050 1996-1998
Fred C. Holschuh, M.D. 'w RECEIVED
.t?`r~
County ndCou I
TO: Honorable James Arakaki
and Members of the Hawaii County Council
FROM: Fred Holschuh, M.D.
Emergency Physician
SUBJECT: 328-98 Communication 990
Chair Arakaki and Members,
I generally support the efforts of the Police Department to obtain Federal funding for marijuana
eradication with the following personal comments.
Eradication and enforcement only work if resources and political will are expended on
treatment of individuals with addictive disease.
The thrust towards eradication of large scale marijuana operations must be in concert with
ongoing efforts to deal with the serious problems of the use of heroin, cocaine, ice etc.
Eradication of large scale marijuana operations must not be confused with efforts at
legitimate, scientific studies of potential medical use of marijuana. It is my understanding
that notwithstanding numerous anecdotal accounts of medical benefits, scientific proof is still
being sought.
- Although I do not believe marijuana use is always a "gateway drug" to hard drug use; it
certainly is harmful to the lungs, may be a "gateway drug" in some individuals, and in many
cases, marijuana use has caused irreparable psychological damage.
- Commercial hemp production and cultivation of the psychoactive drug should be separate
issues.
In summary, I do not believe eradication is the only answer to the marijuana problem, but I
believe large scale eradication is a useful adjunct to the drug use problem and I would therefore
support the Police Department's efforts at this time to secure Federal funding.
Box 3028 Honokaa, Hawaii 96727 COmm. No. 9__ 9o__So
Mle No. U$G
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