Lydia Schaeffer, the 7-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder whose plight inspired lawmakers to legalize a marijuana extract to treat her condition despite their opposition to medical marijuana, has died. Lydia's mother, Sally Schaeffer, had been lobbying the state legislature to legalize the drug, an experimental extract from cannabis plants known as Charlotte's Web, for use on children with seizure disorders. The lawmakers moved to pass the law in record time and Gov. Scott Walker (R) signed the bill in April. But Lydia, who died in her sleep on Mother's Day, never got a chance to try the treatment because the law's implementation was still being worked out. [end]
The approval of a marijuana derivative to ease seizure disorders in children came surprisingly fast in the state Legislature this spring, but sadly not soon enough for 7-year-old Lydia Schaeffer. Lydia died in her sleep Sunday at home in Burlington before she had a chance to try the treatment that her mother, Sally Schaeffer, fought so hard to legalize in Wisconsin. "I kept thinking to myself we've just got to buy Lydia some time, we've just got to buy her some time. And I guess we didn't buy enough," Sally said Tuesday. [continues 789 words]
Regarding Chris Rickert's Sunday column, "Why have two drugs to abuse?," the days when politicians can get away with confusing the drug war's tremendous collateral damage with a comparatively harmless plant are coming to an end. If the goal is to deter use, marijuana prohibition is a catastrophic failure. The United States has almost double the rate of marijuana use as the Netherlands where marijuana is legal, according to a 2008 World Health Organization survey. The criminalization of Americans who prefer marijuana to martinis has no basis in science. The war on marijuana consumers is a failed cultural inquisition, not an evidence-based public health campaign. Not just in Colorado but throughout the nation, it's time to stop the pointless arrests and instead tax legal marijuana. - -- Robert Sharpe, Washington, D.C., policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy [end]
Wearing a helmet and clipped onto rappelling lines, 22-year-old Alina Maki-Guzlecki teetered on the edge of a high-rise hotel in downtown Milwaukee. She turned her back to the ground and inched to the edge before rappelling down 20 stories to the base of the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee on Kilbourn Ave. "Exhaustion, I'm not going to lie," she said of how she felt reaching the bottom. "It was pretty nerve-wracking, but it was exciting." She joined more than 50 people on Tuesday who rappelled down the hotel's exterior. The event was a fundraiser for Shatterproof, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for addiction treatment and tries to end the stigma of addiction. [continues 496 words]
Deputy DA shares story of her cousin's heroin death RACINE - Deputy Racine County District Attorney Tricia Hanson is used to talking about the dangerous effects of heroin. As a prosecutor with the county, she is fully aware of the consequences of abusing the drug, and of resources available to help with addiction. But, "it wasn't enough to save my own cousin," Hanson said Monday at a heroin summit Monday at Gilmore Middle School, 2330 Northwestern Ave., which was organized by the Racine County Sheriff's Office. [continues 423 words]
Legalize pot in Wisconsin? Sure, as long as it isn't sold as any more of a "medicine" than the most popular legal high (alcohol). In the area of government-sanctioned inebriation, what's fair should be fair. Besides, pot advocates have had some decent reasons for saying theirs is the safer buzz. And then I read about a man in Colorado - where marijuana is already legal - who reportedly shot his wife after eating too much pot-laced candy. Another man ate too many marijuana-infused cookies and jumped off a hotel balcony to his death. [continues 691 words]
MARSHFIELD - Marijuana use could increase heart attack risk, according to a study with input from local doctors published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association. "Most people think marijuana is safe to use ... even some doctors, but it was found that it can give you significant health problems," said Marshfield Clinic cardiologist Dr. Shereif Rezkalla, who wrote the editorial that accompanied the study. About 2 percent of marijuana-related health complications reported between 2006 and 2010 to the French Addictovigilance Network, which monitors drug abuse, were cardiovascular complications, including heart attacks and strokes. [continues 355 words]
WATERFORD - A group called iCare that formed last year in response to youth heroin deaths and suicides now wants to take the next step. One of iCare's major goals this year is to help start a support program in the Waterford area - called the Landing - for teen drug and alcohol abuse problems. Cindi Schweitzer, co-owner of Integrity Funeral Services, 29134 Evergreen Drive, Rochester, became a founding member of iCare and is its present chairwoman. She said iCare "started last year because we were burying children from overdoses. Families were just so broken, and it's like the community is paralyzed when that happens." [continues 380 words]
Dear Editor: It was good to see Gov. Scott Walker sign legislation legalizing a form of medical marijuana to treat pediatric seizure disorders. However, Walker's signature does not mean that the children, whose stories moved usually stern lawmakers to tears, will see their medicine anytime soon. According to Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, under the law, multiple federal agencies will have to give their approval - "a process that typically takes several years." Given Walker's rejection of billions in federal aid for high-speed rail and Medicaid, why is he now deferring to federal regulators to make critical decisions regarding the health of state children? [continues 166 words]
A bill recently signed by Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker aimed at addressing a frightening rise in heroin-related deaths prevents those who report another person's overdose from being prosecuted for drug possession. However, the person suffering from the overdose may still face jail time when they come to. Madison Police Officer Howard Payne, a department spokesman, says he believes most overdose cases result in criminal charges. "Officers investigate that matter as thoroughly as they can and arrive at a decision as to whether a charge is appropriate," he says. "At minimum it's a possession-level (offense)." [continues 350 words]
In 2013, 67 people died of a heroin-related overdoses in Milwaukee County - a 34% increase from the prior year, according to statistics released Monday. The number is an increase of more than 600% from 10 years ago when Milwaukee County recorded nine heroin-related overdose deaths, according to the Milwaukee County medical examiner's office. The medical examiner's office also hit a grim record last year with 216 drug overdose deaths reported in 2013 - the highest number ever and a 29% increase from 2012. [continues 239 words]
In 1971, President Nixon, declaring "War on Drugs," requested congress to pass and fund legislation titled "Drug Abuse Prevention and Control" for the "... prevention of new addicts and the rehabilitation of those addicted." Legislators, to "prevent new addicts," focused on stemming the flow of drugs." But now, 43 years and billions of dollars later, recent Journal Times articles demonstrate drugs continue to flow. A man (24) and two women (26 and 29) went to prison for committing crimes to support their addiction to heroin. Deputies confiscated 19 pounds of marijuana and over $30,000 worth of heroin during two traffic stops. [continues 160 words]
Before closing out the legislative session, the Legislature passed a bill that would legalize cannabidiol, a marijuana by-product, to treat seizures, sending the bill to Gov. Scott Walker's desk. It is certainly true that this bill would help people, specifically children, who have certain medical conditions. Regardless, the bill does not go far enough because it does not end Wisconsin's failed policy of marijuana prohibition. It is currently illegal to possess cannabidiol under Wisconsin law. This is because cannabidiol is a type of cannabinoid that is found in THC - one of the main chemical components of marijuana. [continues 485 words]
Dear Editor: While spring elections are often overlooked, this year Dane County voters will find something special on their ballots on April 1. Referendum #2, asking "Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana?" will appear on all Dane County ballots. While Referendum #2 is advisory and changes no laws, it is a rare opportunity for voters to express their opinion on marijuana prohibition. Polling has found a majority of Americans now support repeal. Please support ending cannabis prohibition with your YES vote April 1 on Referendum #2! Gary Storck Madison [end]
Dane County voters have the opportunity April 1 to vote on the national debate over legalizing cannabis. Vote "yes" on Advisory Referendum 2, which asks, "Should the state government enact legislation legalizing marijuana?" While Wisconsin has some of the worst pot laws in the Midwest, 20 states now have legalized medical cannabis. And two of those, Colorado and Washington, tax and regulate adult use. Other states are also considering legalization. Polling has found majority support for cannabis legalization in 18 states and Washington, D.C. [continues 118 words]
What will change if cannabis prohibition is ended? People will no longer be arrested for it. Pretty much everything else will remain as is. You see, we've been sold a bill of goods about cannabis - starting with the plant's name. Political hacks used the Mexican "marijuana" in order to exploit prejudice against Latin Americans. We have a director of the DEA who cannot state the obvious; that cannabis is less harmful than heroin - because his hands have been tied. He didn't dodge the question because he doesn't know the answer. He is forced to dispense propaganda, no matter how ludicrous and/or divorced from reality. People wonder why law enforcement is so disrespected; incredibility leaches from the head down. [continues 54 words]
When newspapers present an editorial, they have a responsibility to inform their readers accurately. The Journal Times recently failed miserably, "Legalize CBD to treat epilepsy" (March 16). You seem to be confusing the medical cannabis strain from which the CBD hemp oil is being extracted, "Charlotte's Web", with the cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two of almost a hundred therapeutically active cannabinoids and other compounds found in whole plant cannabis. These compounds like cannabis plants continue to be classified by federal authorities as Schedule One drugs with no medical uses and a high potential for abuse. [continues 170 words]
We recognize that Gov. Scott Walker and the Republican majority in both houses of the Legislature aren't rushing to join Colorado and Washington state in legalizing marijuana. Walker has said "I think it's a big jump between someone having a beer and smoking marijuana," and we recognize he's not alone among Wisconsinites in that point of view. In December, we advocated a wait-and-see approach, i.e., first watch how legalization plays out in those two states. [continues 625 words]
Lawmakers Like Rep. John Spiros Should Inform Themselves About Therapeutic Pot After more than 75 years of marijuana prohibition, questioning the reefer madness misinformation that has sustained it for so long has proven to be difficult for some. Take Rep. John Spiros, R-Marshfield, for example. Spiros, a former police officer, was so convinced by emotional committee testimony that a form of medical marijuana, cannabidiol or CBD, can help relieve seizures in children, that he helped vote the bill, Assembly Bill 726, out of committee in a bipartisan 7-1 vote. [continues 421 words]
Dear Editor: Gov. Scott Walker's opinionating on the safety of marijuana versus alcohol and embrace of the long-rejected gateway theory collides sharply with changing public attitudes towards pot ("Scott Walker: Big difference between having a beer and smoking marijuana"). While Wisconsinites may disagree politically, an overwhelming majority supports medical use and a thin-but-growing margin supports taxing and regulating adult use. Walker's "Reefer Madness" redux shows he is as out of touch on pot as he is on other social issues gaining majority support like gay marriage. Gary Storck Madison [end]
Marijuana Has Many Negative Effects EDITOR: Marijuana is a drug. When inhaled, it gets a user high. In this state, the user cannot study, participate in sports or do normal activity. When he or she comes down from the high, normal routine can begin again. Pot use causes physical and mental laziness, paranoia, addiction, lung problems and may lead to stronger drug use - just to name a few of the negative consequences. Below are a few excerpts of an article published in the National Psychologist's Nov.-Dec. 2003 issue. [continues 152 words]
The vote in the state Assembly on a package of bills to address heroin abuse and related crimes defied the usual party line voting to pass 96-0 about two weeks ago. The four bills covering heroin opiate prevention and education legislation, nicknamed H.O.P.E., covers a multi-pronged approach to address the "heroin epidemic in Wisconsin," said Rep. Scott Krug, R-Nekoosa, who co-authored the bill to allow trained first responders to administer Narcan, a drug that counters the effects of a heroin overdose. [continues 535 words]
Everybody's doing it -- confessing their youthful, pot-smoking ways - -- so here goes. I don't remember. Kidding, kidding. Anyone older than 30 recognizes the old adage: If you remember the 1960s, you weren't there. Nyuk-nyuk-nyuk. It is true that marijuana smoking tends to affect one's short-term memory, but the good news is that, while stoned, one does relatively little worth remembering. At least that's my own recollection. So, yes, I toked, too. This doesn't mean anyone else should, and I haven't in decades, but our debate might have more value if more of us were forthcoming. [continues 678 words]
RACINE -- In 2011, the state prohibited the possession and distribution of synthetic marijuana, often called K2 or Spice. But despite the law, synthetic marijuana is continuing to cause problems in Racine County, sending young people to the hospital for adverse reactions, according to Racine Fire Department officials. On Thursday, an 18-year-old woman was taken to the emergency room at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints hospital, 3801 Spring St., after she started dry heaving and acting strangely. [continues 145 words]
I strongly disagree with Ruth Marcus' column, "The perils of legalized pot," (Jan 4). It's ridiculous using children as an excuse to cage responsible adults who use the relatively safe God-given plant cannabis (marijuana). Will Marcus be lobbying to cage responsible wine and beer drinkers next? Further, claiming, "society will not be better off" by legalizing cannabis is silly. Cannabis prohibition is responsible for increased hard drug addiction rates, contempt for drug laws, eroded constitutional rights, escalated prison populations, corrupt politicians, race discrimination, prohibiting free American farmers from growing hemp (even though communist Chinese farmers grow it), costs trillions of dollars and the list is growing faster than the plant itself. The sooner America ends cannabis prohibition the sooner the sky will stop falling in. Stan White Dillon, Colorado [end]
The bill mandating screening of newborns is not the only health care legislation that state Rep. Erik Severson (R-Star Prairie) and Sen. Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) are refusing to hear in committee ("Bills requiring critical newborn test stall," Dec. 22). Also sitting in both committees is the Jacki Rickert Medical Cannabis Act (JRMCA), which was introduced in October by Sen. Jon Erpenbach (D-Middleton), Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) and 16 co-sponsors, four senators and 12 assembly representatives. Wisconsinites overwhelmingly support medical cannabis legalization, yet Vukmir and Severson, both with health care backgrounds, are literally holding back the progress of medicine in our state by refusing a hearing. Vukmir has historically been extremely hostile to medical cannabis and put on quite the show at the most recent hearings on medical cannabis, on Dec. 15, 2009, when Democrats held the majority. [continues 54 words]
Despite more support for the legislation than ever before among Wisconsin lawmakers, an ongoing effort to legalize marijuana for medical use in the state appears to be headed nowhere. Even with unprecedented public support and backing from more members of the Legislature than at any time in history, sponsors admit the bill is likely to fail again. So far, 21 states have legalized and established a system to regulate marijuana for medical purposes. In Wisconsin, a version of the bill failed in 2009 after a dramatic public showdown between state Sens. Leah Vukmir and Jon Erpenbach, and another version died in committee in 2012. [continues 1851 words]
The Courier is correct that nothing happened after 159,454 voters, a 75.49 percent margin, voted in favor of the Dane County medical marijuana advisory referendum passed in Nov. 2010, "Our view: Marijuana referendum a waste of time" on Dec. 11. The referendum asked state lawmakers to pass a state medical cannabis law. It outpolled every other candidate or referendum in almost every ward in Dane County. A similar referendum in the City of River Falls, received 68 percent of the vote. [continues 242 words]
The family of a 20-year-old man who died from a drug overdose at the Milwaukee County House of Correction in 2007 blames the county and its chaotic administration of the lockup at the time, in a lawsuit filed in federal court. Alexander Orlowski died from a methadone overdose, after trading bags of chips for the drug from other inmates, the complaint says. The county and workers at the House of Correction in Franklin failed to take any steps to stop the drug trafficking, which was common knowledge among inmates, according to the lawsuit. [continues 394 words]
In two states last year, voters legalized recreational marijuana. One of those states, Colorado, is similar politically to Wisconsin. And yet, few among Wisconsin's political class appear to take pot legalization seriously. If anything, it is dismissed as a wacky western idea that has no place in the heartland. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke seemed amused when asked what she thought about cannabis legalization several weeks ago. "I don't think that's where the people of Wisconsin are at," said Burke, who has indicated she could support legalizing medical marijuana. [continues 578 words]
Monsters and angels, good and bad-these are the separations that make our society feel comfortable. Seeing acts of crime and horrific violence perpetrated by certain groups of people, it becomes easy to create a mentality of disconnect between "us," the morally superior community, and "them," the violent monsters that appear only in our worst nightmares. However, it is not so easy to accept the realization that the line between angel and monster relies entirely upon one's own perspective. Even harder still is the acceptance that the actions of angels fuel the reactions of devils. [continues 820 words]
A weekly feature on proposed changes to state and local law. In a nutshell Current law prohibits a person from possessing, manufacturing or distributing marijuana. This bill (AB480, SB363) creates a medical use defense to marijuana-related prosecutions and fines, and prohibits the arrest or prosecution of people who are registered with the Department of Health Services (DHS) and have certain debilitating medical conditions or treatments. People who are registered could possess 12 marijuana plants and 3 ounces of marijuana leaves or flowers. They would be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle or heavy machinery or engaging in any other conduct that endangers the health or well being of another person while under the influence of marijuana. [continues 487 words]
Lately I've been reading in the newspaper and hearing on the news all this stuff about a "heroin epidemic." Are these people serious? Drugs have been a part of humanity for millenia and drug "problems" are nothing new - including in this area for decades. The reason heroin use is on the rise is doctors have become overly strict with whom they continue to prescribe to. If someone has legitimate pain problems and makes a mistake, it is practically impossible to get the help they need through legal avenues. That is the reason heroin use has increased ... [continues 329 words]
Several Wisconsin Democrats have introduced a new bill in Madison that would seek - again - to legalize medical marijuana. We asked readers on Gannett Central Wisconsin Media's Facebook pages to share their opinions. Below are some excerpts. We asked: Should marijuana be legal if prescribed by a doctor? I think it should be legalized! There are many good uses for it. Tobacco has all the nasty stuff in it, and that's legal! I'm epileptic, and I have read a lot of things that have said marijuana can help manage seizures. If it's going to help someones health, like mine or anyone else's, legalize it! [continues 313 words]
BELOIT-Drive west out of Beloit on Shirland Avenue, just past the Rock River, and you won't notice many differences on either side of the road. Stateline Liquors on the left gives it away; the center line on this part of Shirland Avenue divides more than traffic, it splits Wisconsin and Illinois. Despite that division, you'll still see small houses with big lawns and businesses with cracked parking lots either way you look. The only clues to what makes the sides different are the phone numbers those businesses advertise and the signs for street names-green to your right and white to your left. [continues 1148 words]
After two failed attempts, two Wisconsin legislators reintroduced a bill to make Wisconsin the 21st state in the country to legalize medical marijuana. The bill, introduced by Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, and Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, provides legal protection to medical cannabis users, along with legal protection for testers and prescribing physicians of the medicine. Although the bill was introduced in previous sessions, this version of the bill adds additional provisions for users of medical cannabis than versions introduced in previous Legislative sessions in 2010 and 2012. [continues 421 words]
The movement for legalizing marijuana, either medically or recreationally, is gaining traction in individual states across the country. While many states are progressing on marijuana policy - i.e., decriminalizing or legalizing medical or recreational marijuana - - Wisconsin has been stagnant, if not even regressive, as of late on its own marijuana policy. Just recently the Wisconsin Senate passed a bill which, according to Minnesota Public Radio, "would allow for municipalities to enact ordinances prohibiting possession of any amount of marijuana and give them the authority to prosecute second offenses." While the "get tough on crime" approach to drug policy is favored by many legislators, both at the state and federal level, it inevitably does not work - especially with regards to marijuana. Instead of the regressive marijuana bill just passed by the Senate, the Assembly and Gov. Scott Walker should advocate for the legalization and taxation of recreational marijuana. [continues 590 words]
Members of law enforcement are among the biggest opponents of marijuana legalization, citing concerns over potential increases in impaired driving, the potential for marijuana to fall into the hands of children and the drug's reputation as a =93gateway=94 to other harmful substances. The La Crosse Police Department declined to comment on the impact of medical marijuana legalization, but Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen came out in opposition to a previous legalization bill in 2009, writing that it would =93create serious impediments to the enforcement of state drug laws against those individuals who are not actually involved in the medical use of marijuana.=94 [continues 237 words]
Nobody wants to be a criminal. That's the thought that crosses John's mind each night as he gets ready for bed. Part of his nightly routine involves breaking the law, but he isn't losing any sleep over it. In fact, it's exactly the opposite. John (not his real name) uses medical marijuana to manage the chronic, neuropathic pain that he's lived with for the past nine years. Surgery to correct a herniated disc left scar tissue that put pressure on a root nerve, causing unbearable pain in his leg and foot. During the day he could keep himself distracted enough to cope, but at night he would lie awake in agony - sometimes going as many as five nights without sleep. [continues 1619 words]
Dear Editor: The Obama administration's announcement that it will no longer stand in the way of state marijuana laws is great news. Under the new guidance, federal authorities will respect state laws with "strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems." Wisconsin citizens have long been far ahead of state politicians on medical cannabis and the failure to legalize medical pot has hurt the state economy and led to an exodus of citizens to the now 20 states and Washington, D.C, where medical marijuana is legal and the two states - Washington and Colorado - where adult use is also legal. [continues 178 words]
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. [continues 163 words]
"Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" - an unalienable right sought in the Declaration of Independence - is more restricted in the U.S. than in most other countries. Life is sacrificed through the death penalty at a higher rate in the U.S. than in any western democracy. Only China and five undeveloped countries exceed the U.S. in taking lives. Liberty is more restricted for Americans. The U.S. has the highest prison population rate in the world. Much U.S. incarceration involves prisoners serving long mandatory sentences for nonviolent drug crimes. [continues 166 words]
Wisconsin's Republican legislators just can't help themselves. They're always talking about how much they hate big government. But once they're in power they make government bigger by getting involved in local government matters. Now they're second-guessing local prosecutors. An under-the-radar Republican-backed bill is making its way through both houses of the state Legislature that would allow local and county governments to take up marijuana possession cases that were dismissed or were not charged by local prosecutors. Seems that DAs have not been pressing charges for very minor pot cases because they don't have the resources to pursue them and don't want to clog up the courts with nonviolent drug cases. [continues 228 words]
RACINE COUNTY - A new Illinois law allowing medical marijuana in that state could mean an influx of pot into Racine County's nearby black market. "We already see a lot of marijuana entering the local black market from medicinal states," said Sgt. Scott Krogh of the Racine County Metro Drug Unit. He explained that states with approved medical marijuana often grow more than they're allowed. The surplus ends up in states, like Wisconsin, where medical marijuana is not legally available. [continues 333 words]
Thanks for Monday's editorial, "Let them smoke pot -- for medicine." In discussing Illinois' new law, you stated the rules that regulate how much, when and how users can obtain medical cannabis are "about right." But a major flaw is the failure to include home cultivation. The people this bill is intended to help must wait until an expensive and complex production and distribution system is created. Allowing patients or caregivers to grow their own plants means immediate treatment. Home cultivation is allowed in most of the states cited in your editorial. And judging by the experiences of other states such as New Jersey, which claims to have the toughest law yet, it may take years to set up dispensaries. New Jersey has only one dispensary, and the bill was passed in 2010. [continues 72 words]
In general, we're not keen on looking to Illinois for leadership and direction on, well, almost anything. But Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn did the right thing last week when he signed into law a bill that approves medical marijuana for Illinois residents, making our neighbor to the south the 20th state, along with the District of Columbia, to legalize pot for medical purposes. Wisconsin should step up and do the same, an act that would give our residents who suffer from many debilitating conditions the same relief that is available now in nearly half the country. [continues 295 words]
Dear Editor: Regarding Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen's July 6 column, the use of so-called synthetic marijuana is an unintended side effect of the war on natural marijuana. Consumers are turning to potentially toxic drugs made in China and sold as research chemicals before being repackaged as legal incense. Expanding the drug war will only add to the highest incarceration rate in the world. Chinese chemists will tweak formulas to stay one step ahead of the law and two steps ahead of the drug tests. New versions won't be any safer. Misguided efforts to protect children from drugs are putting children at risk. [continues 91 words]
Inside Wisconsin
