Pubdate: Thu, 12 Jun 2003 Source: Wisconsin Rapids Tribune (WI) Copyright: 2003 2001, The Daily Tribune Contact: http://www.wisinfo.com/dailytribune/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1609 Author: Gary Storck OBEY FAILS TO SUPPORT POT BILL Last fall, a friend who is a constituent of Congressman David Obey shared a reply he received from Obey to an inquiry asking his position on medical marijuana, in which Obey stated his support for legalizing it and mentioned the bipartisan States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act, which would allow states to set their own policies and allow physicians to prescribe it if allowed by the individual state. Despite his professed support, Obey failed to cosponsor that bill, HR 2592, and this session, with the same bill reintroduced as HR 2233, Obey has still not become a cosponsor. Within Wisconsin as well as nationally, polling has found that over 80 percent of people support legalizing medical marijuana. State health groups including the Wisconsin Nurses Association also are strong supporters. But where is Congressman Obey? Merely writing that he supports medicinal pot does nothing to help ease the suffering of people who can benefit. The States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act, HR 2233, deserves a hearing in Congress this year, and unless so-called progressives like David Obey find the courage to act on behalf of their sick and dying constituents, the bill will again die in committee. Please call Dave Obey at and ask him to cosponsor HR 2233: Washington, D.C. (202) 225-3365, Wausau (715) 842-5606 or Superior (715) 398-4426. GARY STORCK Director of Communications, Is My Medicine Legal YET? www.immly.org Madison - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens