Pubdate: Sun, 12 Feb 2012
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS)
Copyright: 2012 The Topeka Capital-Journal
Contact:  http://cjonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/455
Author: Cheryl Riley

PLEA FOR CANNABIS

Much has been made of Gov. Sam Brownback's Christianity, and Kansas is
widely recognized as a conservative state with a foundation grounded
on Christian principles. This ideology plays a vital role in making
our beautiful state what it is. Kansans are recognized for our strong
moral ethics and family values. The majority of us also consider
ourselves to be Christians.

One of the primary virtues of Christianity is compassion. We feel
compassion for any of our fellow citizens who struggle and suffer for
any reason, and try to help them in any way we can. Hundreds of
Kansans struggle and suffer, day in and day out, with chronic, painful
medical conditions that have proved to respond well to cannabis
(marijuana) therapy.

More than four decades of research in Israel, Brazil, Canada, Italy,
Spain and other developed nations has demonstrated beyond doubt that
cannabis therapy is extremely helpful for a long and growing list of
medical conditions.

We believe it is well beyond time to show actual compassion to
seriously ill Kansas residents and allow them safe, legal access to a
medicine that might dramatically improve the quality of their lives.
Or shall we continue to allow them to suffer needlessly because man
has forbidden us to make use of a remarkable gift from God?

For many patients, cannabis has proven to provide their only reliable
relief and this benign medicinal plant is virtually free from
dangerous physiologic side effects. What other medicine can make that
claim?

We hope Gov. Sam Brownback will consider joining compassionate and
courageous governors Christine Gregoire, of Washington, Lincoln
Chafee, of Rhode Island, and Peter Shumlin, of Vermont, in calling for
the federal rescheduling of cannabis so many more seriously ill
Kansans might have a chance for a better quality of life. (Colorado
Gov. John Hickenlooper has said Colorado will petition the federal
government to reschedule cannabis.)

The medical cannabis tide is rising. Chronically ill Kansans should
not be left behind. Don't they, like the rest of us, deserve the best
quality of life attainable?

Kansas families are counting on the governor to help their loved ones
who are in desperate need of safe, effective medicine.

Cheryl Riley,

Kansas Medical Cannabis Network, Potwin
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.