Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2004
Source: Wausau Daily Herald (WI)
Copyright: 2004 Wausau Daily Herald
Contact:  http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1321
Author: Gary Storck

SUPPORT MEDICAL MARIJUANA BILL

After his own bout with prostate cancer, the chair of the Wisconsin 
Assembly's Committee on Public Health, Rep. Gregg Underheim, R-Oshkosh, is 
about to introduce legislation that would permit the use of medical 
marijuana for Wisconsin patients suffering from serious medical conditions 
including cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain and 
other ailments. But, with little time left for the Assembly to hold 
hearings and vote on the bill, it is imperative that state residents 
contact their elected representatives and ask that they move this bill 
through the legislative process without delay.

No one wants to use an illegal medicine. But when all legal remedies have 
been exhausted, patients and their caregivers understand there is no choice.

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.

Polls show public support for medical marijuana at over 80 percent 
statewide. There is virtually no other issue with the overwhelming public 
support medical marijuana has. It's time for our elected representatives at 
all levels of government to listen to the people and move swiftly to make 
this tool available to patients, instead of criminalizing them and their 
caregivers for trying to ease their suffering. Please contact your state 
senator and representative and ask them to co-sponsor Underheim's bill and 
work to pass it this session.

Gary Storck, communications director, Is My Medicine Legal YET?, Madison
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart