Pubdate: Thu, 19 Nov 2015
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (PA)
Copyright: 2015 PG Publishing Co., Inc.
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/pm4R4dI4
Website: http://www.post-gazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/341
Author: Heather Shuker

STALLING ON MARIJUANA VOTE

I am a Pittsburgh mom, and my daughter, Hannah, suffers from LGS, a 
catastrophic form of pediatric epilepsy and a condition that can be 
treated with medical cannabis.

Not only has cannabis been found to reduce or eliminate seizures, but 
treatments with high THC content also can be used as a safer 
alternative to dangerous rescue medications.

Pennsylvania patients were promised a House vote on medical cannabis 
this fall, but patients like Hannah are still waiting.

Even worse, it is rumored that when the House does act, the 
legislation will include a number of harmful provisions, including a 
10 percent cap on THC.

Placing a cap on THC is unnecessary and arbitrary.

Every patient is different and requires different medication.

A THC cap prevents access to countless safe and effective medications.

It is like telling a patient, "There are 10 medications that may work 
for you, but you're only allowed to try this one."

There is no justification to deny Hannah and other patients access to 
high-THC medical cannabis if that is the medication that works best for them.

The Legislature should remove this restriction and quickly bring a 
compassionate, effective medical cannabis bill to the floor for a vote.

Heather Shuker

Pine
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom