Madison NORML

Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Pubdate: 03 September 2010
Author: Gary Storck

MEDICAL MARIJUANA
No wonder folks are leaving

News that a majority of Wisconsinites feel that the state is losing its best and brightest is no surprise in light of the failure of state lawmakers to pass a medical marijuana bill this year, "Poll finds 'brain drain' a statewide concern" (Page 1B, Aug. 29).

The failure to pass medical marijuana has fueled an exodus of people and their assets out of our state. Those with the ways and means are leaving for states as close as Michigan where medical marijuana is legal under state law.

Also departing are young people and others who want to work in the thriving medical cannabis industry in the 14 states and Washington, D.C., where it is now legal.

Wisconsin can no longer afford to listen to the special interests whose job security lies in denying medical marijuana to our veterans, seniors, our sick, disabled and dying. State residents are missing out on both medicine and jobs because we keep electing fossils with no new ideas and zero political courage.

The only way to stop the brain drain is to vote out those who want to keep us living both in the past, and for all too many, living in severe pain, when we go to the polls this fall.

Gary Storck
Executive Director
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
Wisconsin chapter
Madison