Good decision: Medical marijuana decision wise, but caution required

If there is a medicine that can help a child -- or an adult for that matter -- who suffers from horrible, uncontrollable seizures, there should be no question that it be approved.

Signed, sealed and delivered.

But as the debate continues over the regulation and use of medical marijuana in all forms in North Carolina, there is reason for caution.

This is a slippery slope, and one that requires significant study and abundant care when making the rules.

Medical experts must be consulted and recommendations heeded. Regulation should be reasonable, but thorough.

And it is too bad that there has to be such a bunch of hoops to jump through to make this treatment possible. But the bottom line is, there will be people who will not be in this fight for the right reason or who will use this treatment improperly.

So, approve the use of the oil and its accompanying rules and regulations. It is the right thing to do.

But as the questions over the use of marijuana in this state continue, be careful.

This debate is about health concerns, not about legalization.

As long as that argument stays pure, we can help those who need help -- and leave the other debate for another time.

And that is the right way to handle it for now.

Published in Editorials on June 19, 2014 11:00 AM