Medical Marijuana: Katie Couric's Lost Opportunity

On last Sunday’s 60 Minutes program Katie Couric interviewed Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards and his wife Elizabeth who has been diagnosed with life threatening bone cancer. Couric, whose own husband died of cancer, has been criticized by some for treating the candidate and his spouse in an overly harsh and aggressive manner. (See here and here)

She should also be taken to task for a lack of substance in her questions. The interview was almost entirely devoted to the politics of the situation, with no discussion of the disease itself and its possible treatment. There was certainly no mention of medical marijuana’s value in combating the intense nausea which accompanies chemotherapy. The piece represents another lost opportunity to examine an important and woefully neglected issue this time with a major presidential candidate who now has a unique perspective.

In contrast, another Democratic presidential candidate, Governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has a strong public position in favor of medical marijuana. He will shortly sign a bill legalizing that medicine in his state, saying "So what if it's risky? It's the right thing to do." Not only will Richardson sign the law but he was instrumental in securing its passage.

Cross posted on The Trebach Report