Here is the latest event to help pass the JRMMA. Please join us, wherever you may be all day on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 and pray for compassion and the passage of the JRMMA.

When a friend or loved one is fighting illness, we pray for them. The collective consciousness of prayer can be a unifying and healing force for those struggling with a medical condition and the people who care about them.

Just as prayer can be a therapy in healing and dealing with chronic illness, so can medical cannabis. At the 8 hours plus Dec. 15 combined Health Committee Hearings at the Capitol for AN445/SB368 the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, many patients testified how both cannabis and their faith got them through their personal ordeals.

With the JRMMA now needing the support of a majority of state legislators to become reality, it seems appropriate to call a Statewide Day of Prayer for Compassion and ask state residents, who are far ahead of their elected representatives in supporting the JRMMA, to pray for passage of this bill.

Tuesday March 23 will be that day. We ask people of faith to go to their churches in advance and ask them to participate and announce this date to their members.

Medical cannabis is not a new idea in Wisconsin. It has been languishing the legislature for decades. The sick and dying, seniors, disabled and now veterans in shocking numbers, need this medicine. No medical marijuana bill has progressed as far as the JRMMA, and we cannot let this historic moment to pass without passing it and protecting some of our most vulnerable citizens.

Please join us in for the Statewide Day of Prayer for Compassion, all day on Tuesday, March 23, 2010.

Some days it seems as if the entire establishment in Wisconsin has united to suppress AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. Little news about the bill has made state news outlets since the public hearing in December.

Here is the letter TOO HOT for the state's two largest papers!

Medical marijuana really about personal freedom

At the December medical marijuana hearing, Dr. Michael Miller, on behalf of the State Medical Society, obsessed on the dangers of "smoked marijuana", even likening it to smoking crack cocaine, while conveniently claiming to know little about vaporization, a smoke free alternative.

A 24-page report issued last week to the California State Legislature by California's Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) discussed a series of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials assessing the efficacy of inhaled marijuana which consistently found that cannabis holds therapeutic value comparable to conventional medications.

Several studies found benefit for neuropathic pain from "smoked marijuana". One concluded that "a significantly greater proportion of patients who smoked cannabis (52%) had a greater than 30% reduction in pain intensity compared to only 24% in the placebo group". CMCR noted "the threshold of a 30% reduction in pain intensity is associated with meaningful improvement in quality of life in other research on pain outcomes".

Regarding non-smoked alternatives for administration, UCSF Dr. Donald Abrams' study, "Vaporization as a 'Smokeless' Cannabis Delivery System," found that vaporization was a safe and effective mode of delivery. Two CMCR clinical trials are now in progress utilizing vaporization.

In a nation that prides itself as a beacon of freedom and liberty as well as having the best healthcare, shouldn't patients and doctors have the freedom to utilize cannabis as they now have the freedom to utilize treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, electroshock, morphine, Demerol, oxycontin, neurontin, Paxil, Prozac, Viagra, Ambien, steroids, Haldol, etc.?

Politicians love to get all misty-eyed talking about freedom when the cameras start rolling, but when it's about the freedom of the patient and doctor to be able to have cannabis as an option, many begin foaming at the mouth and speaking in tongues.

Medical cannabis is health care. Wisconsin's legislature needs to pull together and pass the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act at this moment in history. Decades have passed while Wisconsin's sick, disabled, dying, seniors and vets twisted in the wind while the issue has been stonewalled, and the result is only more pain and suffering. Wisconsin will pass a medical marijuana bill someday. Legislators need to listen to the people they profess to represent and get it done now, rather than cause their constituents more pain.

When I first began publishing this blog in March 2005, on the fledgling Madison NORML website, the chapter itself was a mere 6 months old.

And what indeed is more absurd than banning a plant that has compounds that bind to receptors in our bodies?

Like many of my life's cannabis milestone anniversaries, my earlier 2005 self truly believed that medical cannabis legislation would not still be spinning its wheels in 2010 in our legislature, awaiting profiles in courage by state legislators too accustomed to saying no.

I spent today lobbying with a young ex-Marine afflicted with PTSD after 3 tours in Iraq. How can any "elected representative" think twice about letting those who sacrificed so much not have the medicine that works best instead of pharmaceutical slavery to organ damaging toxic side effect ridden chemicals?

This blog has documented real progress in Wisconsin cannabis laws, despite the continuing legislative stalemate. Marijuana decriminalization has spread to many more locales in the state since 2005. Even staid Waukesha County, where overzealous prosecution had led to the suicide of a couple accused of medical marijuana cultivation a few years back, has initiated decriminalization for small amounts of cannabis and paraphernalia.

With decriminalization, possession of small amounts of cannabis is punishable by a fine, and is a civil citation and not a criminal matter. Patients using small amounts of cannabis in the safety of their homes are less likely to face major consequences, offering a little peace of mind to those who are extremely tired of looking over their shoulders.

I will keep pounding away at this blog as long as I am able. Hopefully, we'll soon see better news for patients than we've seen in the past.

Below is an alert put out by IMMLY today.

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

IMMLY Announce Bulletin: Act now to help pass Jacki Rickert MMJ Act

AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act remains in committee as sponsors attempt to assemble the votes to pass the bill. At the current time, while many Democratic Assembly representatives and Senators are ready to vote for the JRMMA, the problem is, so far, no Republican members have formally said they would vote for the bill.

As Democratic majorities in both houses are slim, the JRMMA needs supporters of both parties to pass the Legislature this session. We need to get the word out that the JRMMA is about compassion and that Wisconsinites deserve the same freedom to legally access medical cannabis as Americans in the 14 states that now allow this option.

As of today, we have 51 days until April 22, 2010, at which point the JRMMA's chance of passage will likely expire.

We need to act with urgency now:

* Contact your Legislators
* Send pre-written, editable letter to Legislators:
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14115736 or
http://bit.ly/JRMMA
* Find out Who Represents you:
http://www.legis.wisconsin.gov/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx
* Call your Legislators: Toll-free Legislative Hotline: 1-800-362-9472
* Send a Letter to the Editor of your local paper:
http://www.mapinc.org/resource/how2lte.htm
* Call local Media and ask them to support the bill
* Ask your local place of worship to join our Statewide Day of Prayer
for Compassion, Date TBA
* Attend our events
* Attend Madison NORML meetings: 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7pm see:
MadisonNORML.org or WINORML.org for more info on location.
* Wisconsin Residents for Assembly Bill 554 "Wisconsin Residents for
Assembly Bill 554 http://bit.ly/cmd4eI
* Print your own fliers: http://www.madisonnorml.org/PYOcenter.html

More information to follow.

A very nice column out of UW: Platteville!

COLUMN: MEDICAL MARIJUANA OFFERS RELIEF

Gary Storck endures pain on a daily basis. Storck was born with Noonan's syndrome and has had multiple open-heart surgeries to address the heart problems that come with that condition. Storck also suffers from glaucoma, and his intraocular pressure often reaches 40, twice the highest limit of the normal range. In addition, he battles post-traumatic stress disorder. After only a brief inventory of Storck's medical background, one might expect him to curse the hand he was dealt.

But that is not how Storck views himself. "I consider myself a medical miracle," he said. "I can find relief for my glaucoma, heart conditions and anxiety all in one medication. I am living research."

The medication that Storck is speaking of is marijuana. And despite the relief that it offers him, Storck is technically committing a criminal act whenever he self-medicates with cannabis. That has the potential to change, however. Wisconsin Assembly bill 554 and Senate bill 368 are both pending in committee; the bills, identical in wording, would enable residents of the state suffering from serious medical conditions, including cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease, glaucoma and other medical conditions that cause severe pain, seizures, wasting away and muscle spasms to possess and use marijuana for relief. People with these conditions would obtain a registry card with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, entitling them to possess up to three ounces for personal use.

A unique set of circumstances in Madison means that this bill has a slightly higher chance of passing into law. Democrats, who generally support medicinal marijuana use, have a majority in both the senate and assembly. Supporters of medicinal marijuana also have an ally in Governor Doyle, who has vowed to sign the bill into law if he is given the opportunity.

Locally, the bill has support from Platteville's representative in the Assembly, Democrat Phil Garthwaite. "For me the big issue is how people deal with pain," said Garthwaite. "We let doctors prescribe things far more dangerous than marijuana."

Platteville's representative in the state Senate, Republican Dale Schultz, could not be reached for comment regarding the bill.

In an e-mail correspondence, Thomas Caywood, chair of UW-Platteville's department of criminal justice, expressed his support for the measure. In response to state Attorney General Van Hollen's remarks that the bill would make things difficult for law enforcement trying to enforce current drug law, Caywood wrote, "Other states already have similar laws on the books. There are a number of medical benefits for prescribing marijuana. The most logical route would be to treat it just like other controlled drugs dispensed by a pharmacy only with a doctor's prescription."

And that is exactly what this bill would do. This bill is not a referendum on recreational drug use; this bill is a referendum on compassion for the sick. Every day, there are people who suffer debilitating conditions that make their lives a hellish existence. Who would deny them every available option to relieve their pain? Take a few minutes out of your day and let's make medicinal marijuana a legal and viable option for people suffering in Wisconsin. Call the legislative hot line at 1-800-362-9472 and express your support for the measures.

Here is my latest Madison NORML Examiner article, the first installment of a series about Jacki Rickert.

Madison NORML Examiner: The name behind Wisconsin’s Medical Marijuana Legislation: Who is Jacki Rickert? Part One

MADISON: Many people in Wisconsin are aware there is medical marijuana legislation now before the State Legislature. AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act (JRMMA) is sponsored by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee).

But just who is Jacki Rickert?

Jacki Rickert is a 58 year old Wisconsin grandmother and medical cannabis patient/activist and the Founder and Executive Director of Is My Medicine Legal YET? (IMMLY). Jacki discovered that cannabis provided unique relief for symptoms of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) she is afflicted with. EDS is a rare genetic disorder that attacks the body’s connective tissues. Jacki also suffers from another extremely painful condition, Advanced Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy.

Jacki first began experiencing EDS symptoms like joint dislocations as an active teenager involved in gymnastics and training horses. Around 1981 Jacki met Dr. William E. Wright of Mondovi Wisconsin, a compassionate and courageous physician who diligently searched for treatments to alleviate her suffering. After Jacki asked if he would consider cannabis therapy, Dr. Wright consulted experts and immersed himself in the available literature. He concluded that it not only helped but was safer than "anything she was on including baby aspirin".

In 2001, Jacki described how she discovered cannabis helped:

As a result of having a chronic, intractable medical condition (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) that causes severe pain, joints that sublux, or dislocate, loss of muscle mass etc., someone suggested I try marijuana (Cannabis) to help lessen the pain, and muscle spasms.

At first, I dismissed such a thought- but later- when I could no longer handle the pain from a dislocated shoulder that the Dr. could not reduce, I tried it - this time it worked!

In 1989, Dr. Wright began filing paperwork with the requisite federal agencies to get Jacki into the federal government's Compassionate Investigative New Drug (IND) Program. Although federal red tape made the process very difficult literally every step of the way, Dr. Wright's persistence and heroic determination to help his patient finally paid off. In 1990 Jacki was approved for not only research but also compassionate use of medical cannabis by federal authorities. She was to receive 300 pre-rolled U.S. government supplied medical cannabis cigarettes, each weighing 0.9 gram every 28-30 days.

Jacki explained it in a 2001 email:

Years later, I was diagnosed with an advanced form of RSD. My weight plummeted to a mere 68 lbs. My body wracked with more problems, more pain, and massive muscle loss. My daughter literally carried me from my bed to the bathroom. No matter how much I tried, my limbs locked up like the tin man without his oil can.

At 68 lbs. my Physician applied to the Government for the Compassionate I.N.D. & Research I.N.D program, and WAS approved and granted a Schedule I License. He was APPROVED in Dec. of 1990...yet the contract was never honored.

The First Bush Administration later suspended and then closed the program, but Jacki had already been approved. Federal bureaucrats told Jacki her prescription would be filled once they had additional supplies, "as they were in the process of growing more material." A federal employee later confessed to Jacki, "I must tell you the truth about your medicine: We are not out, nor were we out, nor do I see us running out anytime in the foreeable future":

Jacki and her daughter even appealed to Bill Clinton as he and Al Gore made a campaign stop in Osseo Wisconsin in 1992. Jacki handed Clinton a large folder of federal approval documents which he vowed to read, "as soon as I get on that bus". More importantly, Clinton also told her as to her medicine nor being supplied, "Why that;s just terrible! If elected, I'll make sure within the first 90 days after taking office that's made right."

His HHS Secretary-designate UW Chancellor Donna Shalala promised before leaving Madison to help Jacki get her medicine. Once in Washington, Shalala flip-flopped against medical cannabis. Attempts by Jacki's Republican U.S. Congressman Steve Gunderson were also rebuffed. In 1993, tragedy struck when Dr. Wright suddenly died of a heart attack, and Jacki was back to square one in her quest for her medicine.

Jacki Rickert will be speaking at "A Grassroots Evening" Monday, Feb. 22, 2010 at the University of Wisconsin: Waukesha at 7pm in Room N133.

For more info: List of qualifying medical conditions included in the JRMMA. Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Hearing Recap & Action Alert. Report on Jan. 20 Mary Powers Memorial and JRMMA Lobby Day. For additional details on the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, info on the Dec. 15, 2010 combined Health committee hearing, bill text and status, how to donate, all the latest news and how you can help, visit JRMMA.org, IMMLY.org or MadisonNORML.org. Visit my Madison NORML Examiner articles archive. Photos courtesy IMMLY/WI NORML and friends.

Full article with Links and photos. (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-30194-Madison-NORML-Examiner~y2010m2d14-The-name-behind-Wisconsins-Medical-Marijuana-Legislation-Who-is-Jacki-Rickert-Part-One)

Here's a let ter in today's Capital Times! As the letter notes, please Call or write your legislators regarding the JRMMA!

TELL LEGISLATORS TO PASS MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT

Dear Editor: The grass-roots advocacy campaign for medical marijuana in Wisconsin has ignited a firestorm of interest in how state government works. Thousands and thousands of state residents are learning for the first time who represents them because of the popularity of this issue.

A recent ABC news poll found that nationwide, 81 percent of Americans, and 75 percent of Republicans, want medical marijuana legalized.

The question remains, however, will our Legislature listen to the will of the people? To their credit, many state lawmakers have already signaled they will vote for the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. However, the lack of bipartisan support for a decidedly nonpartisan issue is sad.

In neighboring Minnesota, a bipartisan bill won legislative approval only to be vetoed by Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Here in Wisconsin, Gov. Jim Doyle has promised to sign a bill if it reaches his desk. Wisconsinites cannot let this historic time pass without our Legislature acting on behalf of Wisconsin's citizens. State lawmakers know how popular this issue is. They only need to look at their office constituent contact logs or recall all the personal conversations in support they've had with people of all backgrounds.

Medical marijuana affects us all. We must each work so this option is available if the unthinkable happens to a loved one, a friend or ourselves. If doctors are allowed to prescribe toxic medications and treatments with dangerous, even potentially lethal side effects, why can't they recommend a natural plant that has compounds which work by binding to receptors within our body's own endocannabinoid system? Please contact your lawmakers via the toll-free Legislative Hotline: 800-362-9472 and ask them to support this bill.

Gary Storck

director of communications, Is My Medicine Legal YET?

www.immly.org

The T.H.C. "Talking Hemp & Cannabis" expo drew dozens to the Berlin WI Public Library today. Below is a disappointing report from Fox11 in Green Bay, which had great footage of Jacki and me, but left most of it out in favor of some opponent with an illogical opposition to protecting the sick and dying from arrest and jail for treating themselves with a non-toxic plant.

Medical marijuana dispute

Updated: Saturday, 06 Feb 2010, 5:47 PM CST
Published : Saturday, 06 Feb 2010, 5:16 PM CST
(http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/medical-marijuana-debate)
* Kristin Crowley

Some area people are fighting to legalize medical marijuana.

Supporters of medical marijuana in Wisconsin are working to educate the public on its benefits. Some say it's a life saver.

“My doctor told me if you can't gain weight, if your body's not accepting the nutrients,” said Jacki Rickert. “He just looked at me and said you will die.”

Rickert founded the group "Is My Medicine Legal Yet?" or IMMLY. She said her body's inability to take on nutrients from food is helped with marijuana.

“This is medicine, we're talking about health care,” said Rickert.

In October, Wisconsin state senators introduced senate bill 368 to legalize medical marijuana. The people at a medical marijuana expo in Berlin are all for it, but not everyone in the area is.

“I think it opens up the floodgates to worse things, and I'm just, I'm not for it,” said resident Bill Brooks.

Some worry usage would get out of control, that it wouldn't be used for just treating the ill and that it could easily fall into the wrong hands.

“If it would pass, I'd be concerned about that. Like I said, it just opens up the gates for more things to happen,” said Brooks.

“People are already using it left and right,” said IMMLY member Gary Storck.

Storck said he relies on marijuana for his glaucoma and chronic pain. Since he can't obtain it legally, he must go through the black market, which he said is even more dangerous than just legalizing the drug.

“It makes it more expensive and it means that you might get cannabis of uncertain quality or it may be moldy,” said Storck.

The bill is in review, but there is no certainty when or if the bill will be voted on

Below is my latest Madison NORML Examiner article, which you can also read with all photos and links here.

BERLIN: On Saturday, February 6, 2010, as the community rallies together in momentum for National Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, the Berlin Wisconsin Public Library will house supporters of hemp and medical marijuana as various organizations come together to put on an expo style event showcasing the cannabis plant, The T.H.C. Expo (Talking Hemp & Cannabis) will run from 12:00pm-3:00pm in the Berlin Public Library, located at 121 W. Park Ave., Berlin.

This region was once a leader in Wisconsin hemp cultivation. Today, the feral hemp plants growing along roadways or on old farmsteads are the only remnants of an era when farmers benefited greatly from hemp cultivation. Berlin's THC Expo will not only examine the history and potential future role of hemp in the local and state economy, but also delve deeply into the medical use of cannabis and current legislation before the Wisconsin Legislature regarding both medical cannabis and hemp.

Organizer Jay Selthofner promises the T.H.C. EXPO, will "openly and honestly discuss this misunderstood plant". In a recent interview, Selthofner told Madison NORML Examiner, "The driving force behind the expo is the community who supports hemp and medical marijuana, and the cost to bring this event together was donated by the people of the district."

Berlin is in the state legislative districts represented by State Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Ripon) and State Assembly Rep. Joan Ballweg (R- Markesan). As of this writing, neither lawmaker has yet taken a formal position on the bill, despite what local activists call "a ton of constituent letters, phone calls, emails, Capitol office visits, and in the case of Sen. Olsen, not one but two public listening sessions".

The Expo will also include representatives of organizations including Is My Medicine Legal Yet? (IMMLY), Wisconsin NORML, Madison NORML, Americans for Safe Access (ASA), MJ2 Media, American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin (WI-ACLU), Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) and Wisconsin Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access (WIVMMA).

IMMLY Founder Jacki Rickert, namesake of the Wisconsin medical cannabis bill is expected to be in attendance along with state and regional activists including Gary Storck, Ben Masel, Teresa Shepherd, LEAP's James Gierach and others.

For more info: List of qualifying medical conditions included in the JRMMA. Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Hearing Recap & Action Alert. Report on Jan. 20 Mary Powers Memorial and JRMMA Lobby Day. For additional details on the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act, info on the Dec. 15, 2010 combined Health committee hearing, bill text and status, how to donate, all the latest news and how you can help, visit JRMMA.org, IMMLY.org or MadisonNORML.org. Visit my Madison NORML Examiner articles archive. Photos courtesy IMMLY/WI NORML and friends except where otherwise noted. Photo of Berlin Library courtesy Berlin Library http://www.berlinlibrary.org/. Photo of Rep. Ballweg courtesy WI State Legislature.

To read entire original article with links and photos: (http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-30194-Madison-NORML-Examiner~y2010m1d29-Feb-6-THC-Expo-to-bring-Hemp-back-to-Berlin-WI)

Gov. Jim Doyle did not mention medical cannabis in his "State of the State" (SOTS) Address to a joint session of the state legislature Tuesday night. Medical cannabis supporters have had a presence at the SOTS dating back to the early 1990's when Tommy Thompson had only been governor 6 or 7 years, and we'll likely be there in 2011. Just as timeless as our presence at the SOTS is the lack of movement session after session after session.

Patients are looking to lawmakers to get it together and pass, This Bill, This Time! Let us hope they do not fail us again!

Six years ago today (1/23/04), I had a letter published in the Wausau Daily Herald, "Support medical marijuana bill," in which I noted that then-Rep. Gregg Underheim (R-Oshkosh), then chair of the Assembly Health Committee, planned to introduce medical marijuana legislation.

The letter contained this timeless passage, which sadly applies equally well today as it did in 2004: “Failing to pass this bill this session means that suffering Wisconsinites who can benefit from medicinal cannabis will have to continue to choose between breaking the law or going without and suffering needlessly for another two years. Many will not live that long; some will die today.”

Can anyone begin to comprehend how many people have died in Wisconsin just from multiple sclerosis in those six years? How about cancer, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer’s? This session we have a better bill, AB554/SB368, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act (JRMMA), sponsored by Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison) and Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Waunakee). The JRMMA is named after a Wisconsin woman who was approved for a small federal medical marijuana program 20 years ago, but never supplied. Jacki led a 210-mile weeklong wheelchair “Journey for Justice” from Mondovi to the Capitol in Madison in 1997.

Wisconsin’s state motto is supposed to be “Forward”, but while patients in 14 other states now have this therapy legally available, our state seems to be stuck in something like that movie, “Groundhog Day”, but instead of Bill Murray, it's seriously ill patients like Jacki Rickert going to sleep thinking things might change, but instead waking up screaming in pain asking, “Is My Medicine Legal YET?”

Medical marijuana has long had overwhelming public support in Wisconsin. A new nationwide poll found not only 81% support, but also 75% among Republicans. While Rep. Underheim, a Republican, sponsored a bill six years ago, this session, not one Republican has yet announced support for the JRMMA. This can only mean that 75% of Wisconsin’s Republican lawmakers are at odds with the views of the people they claim to represent. Please contact your legislators and make sure they know that their support on the JRMMA means your support this fall. To find out who represents you visit Who Are My Legislators? http://www.legis.state.wi.us/w3asp/waml/waml.aspx or call the Toll-free Legislative Hotline: 800-362-9472 (M-F 8:15a-4:45p).

IMMLY/Madison NORML is having a Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Benefit Show Sunday Jan. 24, 2010. Here is a text version of my Madison NORML Examiner blog article about the event!

MADISON: Sunday's Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act Benefit Show at the High Noon Saloon has taken on added urgency as supporters step up efforts to move the JRMMA as the legislative session progresses.

The grassroots effort behind the bill took a huge step forward with the Jan. 20 Memorial for Mary Powers and JRMMA Lobby Day at the Capitol.The moving tribute to the beloved late activist Mary Powers included Ojibwe singer Al Baker performing traditional music and drumming, Jacki Rickert and other activists speaking, as well as Rick Harris performing his song, the Wisconsin medical cannabis anthem inspired by Jacki, "Legal Medicine Blues" in the Wisconsin State Capitol for the first time. A webcast of the entire one-hour Memorial can be viewed here.

The benefit comes at a critical time. With the JRMMA still in committee in late January, state medical cannabis supporters are playing offense. Television ads are now in the works, and funds from the benefit will go towards having these broadcast as soon as they are ready. Please join us, if only long enough to drop off a donation to get this effort rolling strong!

The event runs from 3-7:30pm on Jan. 24 at the High Noon Saloon at 701 East Washington Avenue on Madison's East Side just a few blocks east of the State Capitol (at Blount St.). Local favorites Boo Bradley will kick off the festivities at 3:15. After a 4:20 Announcement/Speech break, Madison area musician David Sewell, often found playing outside the Willy St. Coop, will play a short solo set of acoustic country, bluegrass and delta blues music

Jacob Green from Milwaukee will also be performing his brand of outlaw-folk-rock from 5-6, and the Fox Valley rockers Ifdakar will headline and close out the event in the 6-7pm slot.

Full Schedule: 3:15-4:15: Boo Bradley 4:20: 4:20 announcement and a update on the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act 4:30-5: David Sewell 5-6: Jacob Green 6-7: Ifdakar

Full Article including links:
(http://www.examiner.com/x-30194-Madison-NORML-Examiner~y2010m1d23-Smokin-Medical-Cannabis-Benefit-at-High-Noon-Saloon-Sunday-Jan-24)

This was originally posted on my Madison NORML Examiner blog earlier today. You can view the original posting complete with pictures, links and video Click HERE.

The Memorial brought a diverse group of Wisconsinites to the Capitol, and included music from Native American traditional singer and drummer, Al Baker and singer songwriter Rick Harris. Harris played his song, “Legal Medicine Blues”, that Jacki Rickert’s quiet heroism inspired him to write 9 years ago.. Baker’s beautiful and haunting singing and drumming moved many as it echoed about the Capitol.

Mary's family was in attendance, Medical marijuana patients Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck and Teresa Shepherd spoke, as well as Wisconsin Veterans for Medical Marijuana’s Charles Wachtel and Mary Powers’ care provider Sherry, who cared for Mary in her last months and was present when she passed.

Ignoring the pleas of people in pain is something very un-Wisconsinlike. Is our state’s motto not “Forward”? Medical marijuana will be passed some day. Making patients wait means that in the end, more people will have suffered and died in pain unnecessarily because of the bigotry and cowardice of a small handful of Luddites. How many more Memorial Days will it take for state legislators to wake up and listen?

If the JRMMA fails to move this session, constituents will expect lawmakers to explain why it did not happen or why they refused to support it, when they contact voters to ask for their support this fall. There is a collision coming. Legislators will be expected to justify the delay. The best way to avoid this certain collision is to do the right thing and move the JRMMA to passage now. For that to happen, state lawmakers need to find the political courage to listen and do what their constituents are asking, not what the State Medical Society is asking, not what the pharmaceutical lobby is demanding, and not what the Attorney general is spinning.

Wednesday’s historic gathering, the largest indoor medical cannabis event inside the Capitol ever, proved that advocates are not giving up. If anything, they are learning what it takes to finish a battle that has now been going on since the 1970’s in our state, and they are well aware of those who are the impediments to patients having legal access to their medicine.

View original posting with pictures, links and video RIGHT HERE.

The Lobby Day and Memorial was a success! Hundreds came to the Memorial for Mary Powers, then lobbied their reps.

Jim Miller had this letter published this morning in the Wisconsin state Journal in response to Tom "Weedman" Meyer.

A Sunday letter to the editor titled “Legalization could open the door to abuse” stated “Every teenager at odds with parents over the dangers of marijuana is aware of actions to legalize weed” and “The message they’re getting is that weed is safe and parents are wrong — again.”

The writer offers no solution other than to not pass a medical marijuana law in Wisconsin, as if that will keep kids from trying marijuana.

It seems that if there was a correct message for kids about medical marijuana, we should be giving it to them instead of sacrificing seriously ill and dying patients over our perceived inability to do so.

We recently legislated a medical marijuana law here in New Jersey. My late wife, Cheryl Miller, fought for medical marijuana rights until her death in 2003. Cheryl and Wisconsin’s own Jacki Rickert were like sisters.

New Jersey’s legislators rejected this same old smoke screen. They proved that they consider patient care a priority. I would hope that Wisconsin legislators will do the same and pass the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act in her honor rather than her memory.

— Jim Miller, Toms River, N.J.

The long-awaited Patient Memorial and Lobby Day has finally arrived. All across Wisconsin, patients and supporters are making their way to Madison to talk to their lawmakers about the Jacki Rickert MMJ Act and ask for their vote. Below is IMMLY's press release.

State Capitol Medical Marijuana Lobby Day and Patient Memorial Wednesday Jan. 20

Mary Powers was a warrior. The wheelchair-bound disabled Army veteran spent the last years of her life battling not only cancer, AIDS and Hepatitis C, but also for her dream of legal access for patients like herself to the medicine that worked best for her - cannabis. Mary passed away quietly in her sleep on Oct. 22, her dream unfulfilled.

On Wed. Jan. 20, Mary's family, friends and supporters of Wisconsin's Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act will gather in the first floor rotunda of the State Capitol for a Memorial for Mary and other patients who ran out of time before legislation to protect them could be passed. Appearing at the Memorial will be Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck, Teresa Shepherd and other state advocates. In addition, Singer-songwriter Rick Harris will perform his Jacki Rickert-inspired song, "Legal Medicine Blues" and Members of the Great Lakes Ogichidaa Society will perform a traditional Native American ceremony in Mary's honor. The Memorial will be in the first floor rotunda, from 12pm-1pm. Immediately following, attendees will fan out to their legislators offices from 1pm-3pm.

New polling has found that 81% of Americans including 75% of Republicans now support legalizing medical marijuana. Medical marijuana legislation will be passed one day in Wisconsin, whether it is this session or some future one. What will be gained by continuing to ignore the will of the people? The JRMMA needs to passed in Jacki Rickert's honor, not her memory!

Hopefully those lawmakers who have doubts or who are having trouble finding the courage to support Wisconsinites in pain by saying they will vote for this bill will take note of the people who come to ask them to vote for it Wednesday; chronically ill, dying, vets, seniors, the disabled. Refusal to vote yes for the JRMMA is a slap in the face to numerous Wisconsinites who would benefit greatly.

Just as New Jersey lawmakers of both parties found the courage to pass medical marijuana in their state, so should Wisconsin legislators. To fail to take advantage of this opportunity to provide basic health care would be a serious dereliction of duty for a group seeking voters' favor this fall.

Is My Medicine Legal YET? is a Mondovi and Madison Wisconsin based grass roots patient and caregiver organization dedicated to advancing public education about the medicinal benefits of cannabis. For further information contact Jacki Rickert or Gary Storck at 608.241.8922 or visit the IMMLY websites at www.IMMLY.org and www.JRMMA.org.

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The JRMMA needs your help, and the coming week offers a number of ways to help the JRMMA. There is an URGENT need now for more calls, letters and emails, and office visits! It is up to all of us to motivate ourselves and others to do whatever it takes to change the law and protect patients by passing the JRMMA.

January 16, 2010

Looking for some ways to help out with the medical marijuana bill?

Is My Medicine Legal YET? (IMMLY), Wisconsin NORML and Madison NORML are organizing a lobby day in support of The Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act on Wednesday, January 20, from 12-3pm at the WI State Capitol in the first floor rotunda. Those unable to come to Madison are requested to make calls to their legislators and ask others to do so. For more information, or to participate in this event, please visit here. http://www.immly.org/

On Sunday, January 24, from 3-7pm, Madison NORML is hosting a Jacki Rickert MMJ Act Benefit Show at the High Noon Saloon on East Washington Ave. just east of the Capitol. A $4.20 donation gets you in the door and eligible for drawings for cool stuff. Four great Wisconsin artists: Boo Bradley, David Sewell, Jacob Green and Ifdakar will provide the music, Jacki Rickert, Gary Storck, Ben Masel and others will speak, and there will be a NORML merchandise/information table.

On Tuesday, January 26, Gov. Jim Doyle will give his final State of the State address to Wisconsin legislators and the public. The Address will be given in the State Capitol's Assembly Chambers at 7pm on 1/26. Members of Madison NORML and IMMLY plan to have a presence at this event, and they are asking for your help.

Last October, Gov. Doyle publicly voiced his support for SB 368/SB 554: The Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act. http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14115736

Please take time today to thank the Governor for his past support, and ask him to urge lawmakers during his State of the State address to move expeditiously in favor of the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act.

Tell him: "I believe it is unconscionable to criminalize patients who find therapeutic relief from medical marijuana. I urge you to ask your fellow lawmakers during the State of the State address to support the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act."

You can call or write Gov. Doyle here:

http://www.wisgov.state.wi.us/section.asp?linkid=59&locid=19

Thank you for supporting medical cannabis law reform efforts in Wisconsin.

Sincerely, The JRMMA Team

P.S. There is also a Madison NORML meeting Monday, Jan. 25, 2010 at the Wil Mar Center, 953 Jenifer St. at 7pm! Please join us!

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