Marijuana Policy Project

First, I would like to conclude my refutation of a medical doctor's recent letter regarding the health effects of marijuana, medical or otherwise.

The Myelin Sheath of the brain is essential to proper neurosystem functioning, and it is not yet fully developed in brains that have not yet reached adult stages, hence, marijuana is not recommended (medicinally or otherwise), for underage people. On this point the doctor is correct.

However, this same doctor really dissed marijuana's viability as medicine, leading me to believe he just doesn’t care, or he is simply ignorant of fact and research regarding said substance.

How many of us have gone to our doctors armed with our own looked-up facts with which they are not yet familiar?

Main point here is that doctors are never the Delphic Oracle on anything, else we would not be constantly urged to seek second opinions.

Now to the main points of this letter which will be brief.

Those of you familiar with the politics of our state will know that a bill allowing the use of medical marijuana just passed in the House, as did bills abolishing the death penalty (thank you Steve Lindsey), and a bill allowing same sex marriage.

One can easily say these three items are pillars of liberal politics and be right.

What's more however, they are progressive and humane.

One has to admit a sliver of pride for state Senator Molly Kelly who has — within the past few days — come out publicly in favor of axing the death penalty in our fair state.

Brava! This means she really does have heart and is not just a yes-person for Governor Lynch who — as we know — is not really a Democrat, but a "Semi-crat."

He has said he will veto the kill ban and the gay marriage items. As for medical marijuana, he has said only that he has "concerns."

Therefore I offer here a somewhat tepid "'bravo" to the governor, assuming he too has a heart (somewhere) and a brain too.

The remainder of this writing is thus an open letter to him, Molly Kelly and all state (and federal) lawmakers.

Marijuana is available as medicine to roughly 30 percent of our nation, it is also decriminalized in virtually all these states except for Vermont (where it is still a crime).

Be progressive, be humane, be smart and allow medical marijuana, what's more — get re-elected.

Seriously. Look at the changing demographics of your state and see that there is ample support for all three of these items among your constituencies as well as your libertarian/progressive adversaries — many of whom voted for you. The one possible exception here is gay marriage.

Medical marijuana however, is really no longer controversial. Should the Senate need to re-write the bill to suit the governor’s "concerns," then do it. And here is the main point: Do not table these items or send them to lengthy study sessions.

That is a cop-out, period.

Multi-task my friends. Had President Obama "shelved" his campaign, or indeed the debates (as Senator McCain wanted him to) because of current economic emergencies — he might not be president today.

Do you catch the general drift? I will not vote for you if you do, I will simply vote against you in the primaries, or write in "Steve Lindsey" wherever applicable.

Finally, a few words regarding the efficacy of medical marijuana.

If you were dying from multiple sclerosis or diabetes, you would likely have serious nerve damage, serious nerve damage — and pain — the stripe of which has been known to be extremely difficult to treat.

Medical marijuana actually helps said patients conclude their days with significantly less pain and, what’s more, dignity, and a better quality of life.

It also helps them avoid (or taper off of) significantly more dangerous drugs, such as Percodone and Oxycontin.

For more info Google "The Marijuana Policy Project,"

as well as The National Organization for the Reformation of Marijuana Laws (NORML).