A Letter to ...
Ohio legislators should immediately survey their constituents to get the “real deal” on how people feel about allowing sick patients to use marijuana as medicine under a doctor’s supervision. I am confident that they would discover that almost 80 percent of folks firmly support this idea. And it is not just those liberal democrats who are compassionate, but conservative Republicans also understand that using marijuana to treat nausea, pain, and other debilitating ailments is not the first step to legalization at all. It is a step towards kindness, understanding and common sense. As a Republican legislator from Connecticut and a passionate advocate for the medical use of marijuana, I am asking all Ohio lawmakers, especially Republican’s, to do some background research on this subject. Research will show you several surprising things. First, it will show you that even Republican districts show strong and consistent support. Secondly, it will show that many major medical organizations, doctors, nurses and other health professionals support medical marijuana. Research will also show that state laws that are carefully drafted can result in an effective and enforceable model that benefits a population who most need our help – the sick.
For six years I have encouraged the State of Connecticut, as well as other states across the country, to extend a helping hand to people who are sick and do not respond to conventional treatments. In the early 1980’s, my husband was suffering from the terminal effects of Ewings Sarcoma. Surgery to remove a tumor left him in a wheelchair and the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation left him in severe pain with severe nausea. Marinol, as well as other prescription drugs, gave him no relief. When a doctor pulled me aside and suggested marijuana, I was desperate enough to go buy it for him. And I will always be grateful for that suggestion.
Marijuana made a difference in the quality of life for our family and I should not have had to risk arrest, prosecution or prison time in an effort to provide relief for someone I loved. I urge my fellow lawmakers to ask their constituents if they would support this initiative, and I urge Ohio residents to ask their lawmakers where they stand on this issue. I know this issue is not important to many people on any given day, but when you or someone you love are at a crossroads of last resorts, the issue can become critical. Please don’t wait until it is too late to take an interest in being compassionate. For more information on this issue, you can visit my website at www.compassionaterepublicans.com.
Penny Bacchiochi
State Representative State of Connecticut
Breaking News
Illinois Update
Much progress has been made this legislative session with the Illinois Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Pilot Program bill. The Senate bill, SB 2865, picked up two new co-sponsors this year, and the bill's lead sponsor, Sen. John Cullerton, sat down with law enforcement to listen to their concerns and then amended the bill to address those concerns. more
In the News
Rep. Penny Bachiocchi with Colin McEnroe on WTIC AM (downloadable MP3)
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Compassionate Americans are making their voices heard. A November 2005 nationwide Gallup poll showed 78% of Americans "support making marijuana legally available for doctors to prescribe in order to reduce pain and suffering." Support spans age groups as well. In a November 2004 AARP poll, 72% of Americans aged 45 and older said that "adults should be allowed to legally use marijuana for medical purposes."
Campaigns to change the laws governing the use of medical marijuana are active and alive in every state in the nation. The upcoming 2008 election year promises to bring about a flurry of legislative activity. Get the latest information about Medical Marijuana legislation.