Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jun 2013
Source: Daily Citizen, The (Beaver Dam, WI)
Copyright: 2013 Wiscnews.com
Contact:  http://www.wiscnews.com/bdc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1152
Author: Belinda Balk

LEGISLATORS NEED TO EDUCATE THEMSELVES ABOUT MARIJUANA

I am discouraged with our legislators in office. When a representative
or senator takes office, he or she is elected to serve us and speak in
our stead. As a doctor is required to take continuing educational
classes to stay up to date on new discoveries in medicine, our
legislators need to do the same. With polls showing a majority of
Americans supporting legalization of cannabis, and with 83 percent
support for allowing medical marijuana, state legislators are
increasingly realizing the public supports marijuana policy reforms.

We now have 19 states and Washington D.C. that have legalized or
decriminalized Medical Cannabis. In 2013, lawmakers have filed bills
in 30 states and two U.S. territories to either enact a medical
marijuana law, "decriminalize" simple possession of marijuana, or to
tax and regulate marijuana for adults' use.

Being the chairperson for the Wisconsin Chapter of Americans for Safe
Access, I support safe and legal access to medicinal cannabis. I have
tried on numerous occasions to educate our legislators on the recent
studies and scientific research that has been done on medical
cannabis. Many have embraced the new studies where some like Sen.
Scott Fitzgerald, Sen. Richard Gudex and Sen. Joseph Leibham won't
even take the time to educate themselves with new medicinal facts
about medical cannabis.

I wouldn't want a doctor cutting my leg off with a hack saw and a
bottle of whiskey knowing there are new medical procedures and I sure
don't want my Senators and Representatives continue to fight against
something they know little about.

Belinda Balk, Columbus
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MAP posted-by: Matt