The Fairfax Town Council makes the following observations:
(A) Safe and effective medicine. Scientific and medical studies by the National Academy of Science have shown Cannabis/marijuana to be a safe and effective medicine with very low toxicity compared to most prescription drugs. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of glaucoma; clinically diagnosed depression; epilepsy; muscle spasticity; arthritis; and the nausea, vomiting and appetite loss associated with chemotherapies.
(B) Doctors and patients need the Cannabis/marijuana option. Studies show that one- third of all cancer patients discontinue potentially life-saving chemotherapy due to the severe and debilitating side effects. The same is true for many HIV/AIDS patients receiving AZT or other similar therapies.
(C) United Nations approves prescription marijuana. In May of 1991, the United Nations Narcotic Control Board voted overwhelmingly to reclassify Cannabis/marijuana, placing it back on Schedule 2, and making it available by prescription. The United States Representative to this Board voted in favor of rescheduling.
(D) Federal court orders prescription marijuana. Despite a federal court order recognizing the “clearly established medical value” of Cannabis/marijuana, and mandating that it be reclassified to Schedule 2 and available by prescription, the federal government continues to deny access to this safe and effective medicine.
(Prior Code, § 9.14.030)
(Ord. 627, passed - -1993)