Madison NORML

US WI: PUB LTE: MEDICAL MARIJUANA It's about time
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Pubdate: 22 Dec 2009
Author: Gary Storck

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: IT'S ABOUT TIME

In saying patients testifying in support of medical marijuana are somehow willing dupes of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, isn't Capt. Charles Wood of the Wisconsin Narcotics Officers Association really insinuating they are stupid (Opinions, Dec. 21)? Gov. Jim Doyle has said he'd sign the bill if it reached his desk. I can only imagine what Wood must think of him.

Are concerns about job security behind Wood's hurtful and condescending attitude? Could he be worried if more people learn, despite years of propaganda to the contrary, that cannabis is a safe and effective medicine, it might spontaneously trigger full-scale legalization?

Is this the best Wood has? Wisconsin patients have waited many years for the Legislature to take a serious look at this issue. As one born with a medical condition that has resulted in a lifetime of ill health, I salute Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee) for listening and bringing forth the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act.

Those who traffic in fear, like Wood and Rep. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa), must not be allowed to obscure that this bill is really about compassion. One hundred three people testified or registered in support. Only five testified against. If democracy still matters, the bill must be passed intact out of committee and sent for floor votes without delay. Our seniors, vets, sick, disabled and dying and those who care about them are counting on it.

Gary Storck
President
Wisconsin chapter
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Madison

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US WI: Help the patients
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Pubdate: 22 Dec 2009
Author: Brett Waite

HELP THE PATIENTS

As Wisconsin is debating passing a bill that would permit the use of medical marijuana, I can only hope that those against the bill stop for one moment and consider those of us who suffer.

This bill is about helping the sick, not about political posturing. The simple facts are that marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for many different ailments, and, therefore, its recommended distribution should be in the hands of doctors. It seems to me that all plants were put here for a reason. If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn't determined it safe by now, then the agency never will.

So enough with the political debate. Let trained medical doctors determine when its use will benefit patients. This bill has nothing to do with the recreational use of marijuana and will not impact its use for recreation as some may argue.

Brett Waite
Cedar Grove