Pubdate: Thu, 13 May 2010
Source: Wisconsin State Journal (WI)
Copyright: 2010 Madison Newspapers, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.madison.com/wsj/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/506
Author: Gary Storck

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) 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake