I am a senior citizen and have had a chronic progressive neurological condition, which is also an autoimmune disease, for the past 33 years. There is no cure.

I am also quadriplegic with severe nerve pain and all that that implies, including skin breakdown, recurring UTIs and vertigo, to name a few. At the very least, medical cannabis would relieve my nerve pain. I'm quite confident from all that I have read that it would also stop the progression of my condition, which would be a great benefit before I possibly go blind and lose my ability to swallow.

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FAIRFIELD - First, let me introduce myself. My name is Marie Smallow. I'm 59 years old and if you were to meet me, you would probably describe me as "grandmotherly." I have been suffering with pain and discomfort for the past 30 years due to a chronic progressive neurological condition commonly known as Multiple Sclerosis.

I'm writing to you today to argue for the legalization of Medical Cannabis. Of course this can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. If you're wondering why I wouldn't just take a prescription painkiller, the reason is that I do not want to become addicted to anything like OxyContin.

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