Pubdate: Mon, 09 Sep 2013
Source: Journal Times, The (Racine, WI)
Copyright: 2013 The Journal Times
Contact:  http://www.journaltimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1659
Author: Joan Busalacchi-Pautz

MEDICAL MARIJUANA SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN WISCONSIN

I am writing this letter in regard to legalizing medical marijuana in 
Wisconsin.

When I read that Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn signed the law legalizing 
marijuana for medical use, I literally cried. I wish Wisconsin state 
legislators would listen more to the people who are suffering from 
chronic pain and would greatly benefit from its use.

I am 64 years old and have had five failed back fusions. The first 
was in 1989 through 1998. I now have four titanium cages, cadaver 
bones and fused from L3 to S1, mid-back to my tail bone.

I now have a spinal cord stimulator implant to help mask the pain 
along with medication. Chronic pain has lead to severe depression and 
loss of interest in things I loved to do - gardening, baking and 
walking outdoors - as they lead to more pain.

I rarely go places with my husband or be with my friends. I'm 
difficult to live with due to my pain.

I've used marijuana and know how beneficial it is. It helps reduce 
pain and gives me a better quality of life. I'm unable to use it now 
due to losing my doctor's help. I believe medical marijuana should be 
legal for those who see their doctor on a regular basis for their 
condition and leave it up to their discretion for patients' use.

I plead to the Assembly and Senate to pass AB475 and SB371 as soon as 
possible and do what's right for Wisconsin.

Joan Busalacchi-Pautz

Burlington
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom