Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jun 2013
Source: Portage Daily Register (WI)
Copyright: 2013 Portage Daily Register
Contact: http://www.wiscnews.com/speakup/form.php?pub=pdr
Website: http://www.wiscnews.com/pdr/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3779
Author: Belinda Balk

LOOSEN LAWS VS. MEDICAL 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 while 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 hacksaw 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, chairwoman, Americans for Safe Access Wisconsin chapter, Columbus
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom