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March 01, 2006
Wisconsin State Journal: Guest Column: Where is medical marijuana?
Posted by Gary Storck
Wednesday, March 1, 2006
The Wisconsin State Journal was kind enough to publish this guest column. Between dysfunctional state politics and the agenda of a national marijuana policy group, promises of a committee vote and a possible Assembly floor vote are apparently being broken, and Wisconsin patients are angry and extremely disappointed. This is the 4th time in the last 5 sessions a medical marijuana bill is headed for death in committee. Underheim's office is running out of time to do the right thing. If you care about this issue, call Rep. Underheim and ask for a committee vote: (608) 266-2254 will connect you to his office.
Source: Wisconsin State JournalPubdate: March 1, 2006
Guest Column
Where is medical marijuana?
By Gary Storck
It's been over 3 months since Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh, held a hearing on his medical marijuana bill, AB-740. His Assembly Health Committee has not voted.
Underheim's staff says this is because they aren't sure they have the votes. Despite compelling testimony from health care professionals, patients and caregivers - as well as stacks of studies demonstrating the medicinal efficacy of cannabis -- most committee members have been silent or voiced hostility.
But the public deserves to know where the committee stands. Very ill people traveled long distances to testify before the committee on how medical cannabis helps them. It is the committee's duty to fairly weigh the evidence and vote the bill up or down.
Because he is not seeking re-election, this is Underheim's last chance to move medical marijuana legislation in Wisconsin. For patients, there is no stepping down - their only out is death.
Underheim gave hope to sick people and their families by championing this issue. But it should not end here.
Wisconsinites overwhelmingly support giving patients legal access to medical marijuana. As taxpayers and voters, they deserve to know if the committee agrees.
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Storck is spokesman for the Wisconsin Coalition for Safe Access in Madison.
Posted by Gary at March 1, 2006 12:22 PM
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