Marijuana Blog

State Senator Perry B. Clark (D-Louisville) has pre-filed legislation for the 2013 legislative session that would add Kentucky to the growing list of states that allow patients whose doctors have recommended it to use medical marijuana to treat multiple sclerosis, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious medical conditions.

If the bill passed there would be a statewide network of regulated dispensaries for use by qualified patients.

"This is not a conservative issue or a liberal issue; it's an issue of compassion," said Senator Clark. "Countless studies show that marijuana is effective at treating pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. If it was my family member, I would do anything to relieve their suffering."

Senator Clark emphasized that the bill would only apply to marijuana for medical purposes. "This is not about legalizing marijuana. It's about getting government out of healthcare, and putting science in." An early shot across the bow of those who are against legalization and will fear-monger the issue.

"I was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at age four,” said Donna Fox, a patient from Louisville. “I've been living with this disease for 42 years and lost count many years ago as to how many injections I have endured and the thousands of pills I have swallowed. If medical marijuana, which carries far fewer and less severe side effects, can work then why should I be denied relief? I just want to live a functional life without the pain."

Donna speaks for thousands in Kentucky and millions across the country. What is wrong with someone having the choice of medical marijuana for their medication? Why must they only take substances that are more dangerous and addictive? Are the profits of Big Pharma more important than the health of citizens?

Source: http://www.lex18.com

The United States Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce – a group 10,000 members strong – has endorsed President Barack Obama for reelection.

"Let’s not get distracted by the myriad of issues that will be brought to the forefront at the upcoming political conventions, the single most important election issue is getting our economy back on track,” said Thomas L. Leto III, president and founder of the U.S. Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce. “The economic potential of the cannabis business in the U.S. is limitless and President Obama understands this. It is our impression that Mr. Romney just doesn’t get it.”

No one can deny that Mitt Romney “just doesn’t get it,” but to claim the President does get it, in the midst of the biggest crackdown in medical marijuana’s short history, is ludicrous.

According to Leto, legalized cannabis would become a $100 billion annual industry and would bring with it 5 million new jobs within the first year of changing federal strictures. These stats may or may not be accurate; there is no way to tell the future, but we do know some tax revenue and some jobs will be created. But what has Obama done to indicate he wants to foster this future industry, besides some lies he coughed up as a candidate for President?

Like any good politician, Obama tries to claim he didn’t change his position, but his previous quotes are on video and his actions are in plain view for all to see.

One has to wonder why the Chamber didn’t endorse the obvious choice for President, Gary Johnson. He is the only who understands what legalization can do and he is the only one who continually advocates for it. He is also the only candidate on the ballot in all 50 states who will fight for the rights of medical marijuana patients and end the crackdown.

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com