Madison NORML

Source: Wisconsin State Journal
Posted: Thursday, May 13, 2010

Try again to pass medical marijuana

Veterans and others managing post traumatic stress report that medical marijuana can help in ways conventional medications cannot, without the toxicity, side effects and interactions.

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Madison, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, showed true support for vets and other PTSD sufferers by including it among qualifying debilitating medical conditions in the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. Unfortunately, the bill died in committee like so many others before it.

In 2007, New Mexico also faced the end of session without passing a medical marijuana bill long in the works. Gov. Bill Richardson persuaded wavering lawmakers to come back and pass it, making New Mexico the first state to pass a bill specifically including PTSD, and the 12th state to OK medical marijuana.

Should he move to call the Legislature back into session, Gov. Jim Doyle, long on record as willing to sign legislation giving doctors this option, should do what Richardson did and convince lawmakers to act to make this health care option a reality for Wisconsin patients and veterans.

Don't veterans who fought for freedom deserve the freedom to choose which medicine works best for them?

- Gary Storck, Madison, director of communications, Is My Medicine Legal YET? (www.immly.org)