Madison NORML

Dear Editor,

Thank you for your sensible editorial, “Medical marijuana is worth study” (Nov. 20).

However, in stating, “There is no need to rush to judgment, but lawmakers should investigate the idea by holding hearings to gauge public support”, the Press Gazette underestimates the urgent need for legal access to medical cannabis for Wisconsin patients and families, while ignoring hearings already held in the last several years.

Then-State Rep. Gregg Underheim held a hearing on his medical marijuana bill in Nov. 2005, and State Sen. Jon Erpenbach convened an informational hearing on medical cannabis in Nov. 2007. Polling in 2002 and 2005 also found overwhelming support statewide.

The groundwork for passing a bill like Michigan’s and the 12 other states has already been done. The only reason the issue has remained stalled in the legislature is because the outgoing leadership in the Assembly has been extremely hostile to the idea of medical cannabis, dating back to bills introduced in the mid-1990’s.

State lawmakers who truly represent their constituents know that medical cannabis deserves passage as soon as possible. Delaying matters further only places patients and their loved ones in the difficult position of either breaking the law or allowing a loved one or family member to suffer greatly. That is not the way to treat people in pain.

Gary Storck
Director of communications,
Is My Medicine Legal YET? www.immly.org