Former Kansas Attorney General Bob Stephan is one of the most respected figures in Kansas law enforcement. People should listen when he says the state should legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

We also should pay attention because Stephan is a cancer survivor and suffered through seven years of chemotherapy. He has a special understanding of the pain and nausea brought on by treatments.

Marijuana has been found to alleviate these symptoms, yet archaic and politically charged laws keep it illegal.

Today's restrictions on marijuana began with a laughable series of events in the 1930s, when Harry J. Anslinger, who worked in the Bureau of Prohibition, led the political fight against marijuana using baseless arguments, false accusations and racism. Industrialists in paper and plastics, who feared competition from hemp production, helped support his efforts.

The hysteria and politics continue to this day. Few elected officials have the guts to push for policy reform at the federal level, where drug laws trump those passed by the state. Twelve states allow medical marijuana use, but feds can, and have, conducted raids in those states that yanked relief from cancer patients.

Washington's antiquated marijuana prohibition will change eventually, but first we need more brave souls like Stephan, who brings credibility to the fight. We also need to change harsh Kansas laws where judges can put someone in jail for misdemeanor marijuana possession. Growing just four marijuana plants can net a felony and from 11 to 17 years in prison. That applies even when plants are grown for medical relief.

Let's do a swap: Misinformation, hysteria and baseless fear that shape marijuana laws should be replaced with compassion, common sense and brave public figures, like Stephan, who will put their reputation on the line to help others.

Stephan is the state's longest running chief attorney. He is respected statewide. He is a cancer survivor. He is courageous in supporting medical marijuana. When he speaks, we all should listen.

-- Tom Bell

Editor & Publisher