Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos mostly got it right in softening his stance on medical marijuana recently.
"If you get a prescription to use an opiate or you get a prescription to use marijuana, to me I think that's the same thing," Vos, R-Rochester, told the Associated Press. "I would be open to that."
We generally agree, with this caveat: It's similar but not the same. The danger of opiates being abused and causing terrible addiction and death is much greater than any risk derived from medical marijuana.
Opioid abuse, including heroin, has become an epidemic across Wisconsin, with 622 overdose deaths in 2014 — more than twice as many as in 2004, according to the state Department of Health Services.
That's more fatal overdoses than fatal car crashes annually in Wisconsin, as noted by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel.
And how many overdose deaths does marijuana cause?
The Department of Health Services doesn't specifically list any in its latest report.
So why can doctors prescribe opioids for patients with painful afflictions, but not medical marijuana? The answer is that too many state lawmakers fear they'll be viewed as weak on drugs if they allow even a puff or nibble of marijuana for any reason.
That's an outdated worry. A statewide Marquette Law School poll last summer found 59 percent of respondents supported legalizing marijuana for recreational use, compared to 39 percent who opposed legalization. The poll didn't ask about medical marijuana, but presumably support is even higher if the purpose involves helping the sick.
Cancer patients, back pain sufferers and scores of others who deal with chronic illnesses from glaucoma to HIV report finding relief from marijuana use. About 30 states now allow medical marijuana, according to Governing magazine, including eight states that permit recreational use.
Patients who use medical marijuana for chronic pain use substantially less opioid medication, a University of Michigan study found last year. Another report determined opioid overdose deaths fell in states that allowed medical marijuana.
Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, wants to let Wisconsin doctors prescribe a marijuana extract for treating seizures. The parents of an 11-year-old Waukesha boy with epilepsy told the AP they want to use it.
It's possible allowing medicinal pot could lead to abuse and eventually legalization for fun. But that's a different debate, with other states serving as testing grounds.
Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, this week proposed an advisory referendum on legalizing medical marijuana. That's a fine idea. Besides gauging public opinion, a statewide vote would give nervous politicians political cover for voting "yes" to sensible public policy.
Wisconsin shouldn't keep safer pain medication from suffering patients any longer.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Let Sick People Have Medical Marijuana
Author: Staff
Contact: 800-236-2110
Photo Credit: Seth Perlman
Website: Portage Daily Register
"If you get a prescription to use an opiate or you get a prescription to use marijuana, to me I think that's the same thing," Vos, R-Rochester, told the Associated Press. "I would be open to that."
We generally agree, with this caveat: It's similar but not the same. The danger of opiates being abused and causing terrible addiction and death is much greater than any risk derived from medical marijuana.
Opioid abuse, including heroin, has become an epidemic across Wisconsin, with 622 overdose deaths in 2014 — more than twice as many as in 2004, according to the state Department of Health Services.
That's more fatal overdoses than fatal car crashes annually in Wisconsin, as noted by Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel.
And how many overdose deaths does marijuana cause?
The Department of Health Services doesn't specifically list any in its latest report.
So why can doctors prescribe opioids for patients with painful afflictions, but not medical marijuana? The answer is that too many state lawmakers fear they'll be viewed as weak on drugs if they allow even a puff or nibble of marijuana for any reason.
That's an outdated worry. A statewide Marquette Law School poll last summer found 59 percent of respondents supported legalizing marijuana for recreational use, compared to 39 percent who opposed legalization. The poll didn't ask about medical marijuana, but presumably support is even higher if the purpose involves helping the sick.
Cancer patients, back pain sufferers and scores of others who deal with chronic illnesses from glaucoma to HIV report finding relief from marijuana use. About 30 states now allow medical marijuana, according to Governing magazine, including eight states that permit recreational use.
Patients who use medical marijuana for chronic pain use substantially less opioid medication, a University of Michigan study found last year. Another report determined opioid overdose deaths fell in states that allowed medical marijuana.
Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, wants to let Wisconsin doctors prescribe a marijuana extract for treating seizures. The parents of an 11-year-old Waukesha boy with epilepsy told the AP they want to use it.
It's possible allowing medicinal pot could lead to abuse and eventually legalization for fun. But that's a different debate, with other states serving as testing grounds.
Rep. Chris Taylor, D-Madison, and Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Middleton, this week proposed an advisory referendum on legalizing medical marijuana. That's a fine idea. Besides gauging public opinion, a statewide vote would give nervous politicians political cover for voting "yes" to sensible public policy.
Wisconsin shouldn't keep safer pain medication from suffering patients any longer.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Let Sick People Have Medical Marijuana
Author: Staff
Contact: 800-236-2110
Photo Credit: Seth Perlman
Website: Portage Daily Register
