Pubdate: Thu, 13 Dec 2012
Source: Chicago Tribune (IL)
Copyright: 2012 Chicago Tribune Company
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/IuiAC7IZ
Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/82
Author: Julie Falco
Page: 31

PATIENTS' CHOICE

I live with multiple sclerosis; I am asking our state representatives 
to support the compassionate, tightly crafted medical cannabis bill, 
House Bill 30. Many other Illinoisans who have worked hard to enact 
medical cannabis legislation-people living with cancer, fibromyalgia, 
HIV/AIDS, Crohn's and other debilitating illnesses-have not lived to 
see the day when we can stop being afraid for our freedom of choice.

I have been at the forefront of the medical cannabis movement in 
Illinois for the last eight years, testifying before Senate and House 
committees in support of legislation, visiting countless legislators 
and interviewing with media outlets locally and nationwide. My story 
and connections with other patients have given hope to many.

However, hope has been watered down aswe have compromised year after 
year to appease legislators' concerns preventing them from voting for the bill.

As we wait yet again for a positive outcome, two more states have 
passed medical cannabis laws this year, and now nearly a third of 
Americans are living in freedom by choosing to medicate with cannabis.

We deserve the option to decide what works best for us- a decision 
made between patients and doctors, not limited by law enforcement, 
outdated policies and prohibitionist perceptions.

It is time for Illinois to do the right thing and just say yes.

- - Julie Falco, Chicago
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom