Four advocates for medical marijuana spoke at a forum hosted by the Susquehanna Valley Progressives earlier this week. Some shared their expertise, others their personal stories – but they all made compelling arguments for the legalization of medical marijuana.
There are tens of thousands of stories just here in Pennsylvania of people, of all ages, who would benefit from medical marijuana. People suffering from chronic pain, glaucoma, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), seizures, and even certain types of cancer who could see improvement and gain comfort from a drug that is currently illegal.
Traditional pharmaceutical solutions are not an option for many individuals who suffer from certain chronic illnesses; and as many can attest the side effects that accompany these prescription drugs are often reason enough to seek other solutions.
Cannabis can be a much safer alternative to highly addictive doctor-prescribed drugs; in fact while a fatal overdose occurs every 19 minutes due to prescription pain killers, not one overdose death has been attributed to marijuana.
We have heard from mothers whose children suffer from severe seizures and who are determined to do whatever it takes to keep their sons and daughters alive. In states where medical cannabis is legal, children who suffer from epilepsy and intractable seizures have seen dramatic improvement and a marked decline in the number of seizures.
We have heard about adults, including veterans, suffering from a variety of conditions, including PTSD, depression, chronic pain (and the list goes on) who have experienced little or no relief through traditional medications, often times suffering side effects that far out weigh the benefits.
We have heard from medical experts who expressed greater concerns over the use of manufactured pharmaceuticals than the natural healing elements of cannabis.
A June 2014 Franklin & Marshall College Poll shows the majority of Pennsylvanians favor some form of legalization of medical marijuana. 84% of voters strongly or somewhat favor the use of medical marijuana for treatment if recommended by a physician.
So why isn’t medical cannabis legal in Pennsylvania? Why is marijuana still considered a schedule 1 drug (along with heroin, LSD and bath salts) by the federal government even when the government has hinted that it has medical benefits?
It’s a good question. Here in Pennsylvania SB1182, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act actually passed the state senate with bipartisan support this fall.
Unfortunately, that’s when it got the attention of the lobbyists: the pharmaceutical industry, private prisons, law enforcement – all who serve to gain financially by maintaing the status quo.
These lobbyists are not standing up for the children who are suffering, the veterans who are ailing, the terminally ill and the chronically in pain. They are defending their bottom lines. Thankfully, your voice counts. Contact your state legislator and ask them to support the compassionate use of medical cannabis. Tell them to choose our children, veterans, elderly and sick over special interests.