University of Southern Maine

News Releases

USM Professor Researching Calif. Medical Marijuana Cooperative

June 8, 2005

Wendy Chapkis, a University of Southern Maine professor of sociology and Women's Studies, is in California until June 12 this summer working on her forthcoming book, "Dying to Get High: The Challenge of Medical Marijuana." The book, scheduled for publication by New York University Press in 2006, will be co-authored by Richard Webb from San José State University.

Chapkis' interviews are now taking a different turn in light of the recent Supreme Court Decision that state laws do not shield patients relying on marijuana to combat pain from federal prosecution.

With grant funding from the Marijuana Policy Project, she has been researching the subject for eight years. This summer, Chapkis is interviewing members of Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana, a collective of terminally ill people who grow and distribute marijuana at no cost to members.

Chapkis can be reached for interviews in Santa Cruz at 831-458-3727. For assistance in reaching her, please call Judie O'Malley of USM Public Affairs at 207-780-4200.

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