Pubdate: Sun, 29 Jun 2014
Source: Record, The (Troy, NY)
Copyright: 2014 The Record
Contact:  http://www.troyrecord.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1724
Author: John Ostwald
Page: A6

THE HERO OF RYJELL 5 COULD BE OUR OWN GOVERMENT

Like many of you, I read this in the paper the other day: "Deal Made 
on Medical Marijuana." Like you I have been following this story and 
I wrote column on April 6 entitled, "Legalization needed for medical 
use of marijuana."

I have also lobbied for the bill and specifically espoused the use of 
medicinal marijuana for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The 
persistent irrational stalling of the bill and the 
bottom-of-the-ninth two-out arrival of the "Deal" has upset me. So, 
with your permission I will respond.

Is the governor nuts? Are these legislators high? People have 
suffered right in front of them in legislative hearings and they have 
debated and discussed ad nauseam and ignored solid research and now 
we get a "Deal"?

What kind of deal leaves families in pain and anguish for the next 15 
plus months? What was all this stalling and posturing about over 
these several months? Are these civil servants concerned that these 
kids, with persistent seizures and middle aged women with Multiple 
Sclerosis will be smoking weed in their garage while listening to 
classic rock? I don't get it. I know that concerns about addiction 
were mentioned. What scientific evidence support these concerns?

Listen to this related story about futuristic addiction concerns. I 
visited my uncle when he was dying. As I bent close to his hospital 
bed, I heard him say, "I'm in a lot of pain; can you help me?"

I ran to the nurse and indicated the need for a strong analgesic for 
my uncle. She said to me: "We don't want to give him anymore because 
of the possibility of drug dependency."

I flipped out somewhat and said, "What?! He is going to be dead soon. 
So, it's a non-issue!" We have people in pain now. If you can't prove 
they will be addicted in the future, then let them receive the relief 
they deserve. I like the philosophy of the Zen Buddhists, who say 
that more than anything else, Zen is about reclaiming and expanding 
the present moment.

I hope this stalling was not in any way related to political office 
seeking or posturing.

But this situation with the Compassionate Care Bill seems out of this 
world to me. So, as a sci-fi aficionado, I've made up a little 
anecdote to dramatize my point.

On the fictional planet Ryjell 5, there was controversy over a mood 
altering substance called "phlqxi".

Just like marijuana on our planet, it was found to have significant 
medicinal uses. The older conservative Ryjellians, in the ruling 
body, offered significant resistance to the beneficial use of the substance.

As the discussions continued over many months, more emotional and 
physical suffering plagued the planet's inhabitants.

Subsequently, an angry crowd gathered around the palace of the Grand 
Wazoo (leader) and shouted loudly: "Save us exalted one!"

The Wazoo was concerned about his future on the throne but decided to 
issue an order for the phlqxi to be available in three months (not 
like 18 months on earth). He couldn't bear to see his subjects 
suffering anymore.

A year later the Grand Wazoo was removed from his lofty position but 
it didn't matter because he thrived forever in the hearts and minds 
of the Ryjellians; especially the children.

We need a hero like the Grand Wazoo.

I would like to conclude with some thoughts on the recent events 
mentioned above from Gabriel Sayegh, of the Drug Policy Alliance, who 
has been one of the primary supporters of the Compassionate Care Act.

"The good news is that, if implemented effectively, this legislation 
will help thousands of New Yorkers with cancer, MS, and other serious 
conditions," Sayegh said.

"But many patients were left out - like those with PTSD. And some 
patients need relief now; they don't have 18 months to wait for the 
system to become operational. So our work isn't done - we've got to 
make sure this is implemented quickly and expanded where necessary."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom