Kansas Rep. Gail Finney introduces medical marijuana legislation

Published: February 10, 2010

If it seems like medical marijuana legislation is being introduced everywhere these days, that’s because it is. Now Kansas, where the legislature is moving at breakneck speeds to ban synthetic marijuana-like substances, can be added to the list. Rep. Gail Finney has introduced HB 2610, a bill that would protect medical marijuana patients from arrest and incarceration. The bill would also set up state-regulated facilities where patients could obtain their medicine, rather than being forced to buy it illegally.

Please take just one minute to send a letter of support to your legislators in Topeka.

It’s never easy to pass medical marijuana legislation, but, let’s be honest, it will be especially hard in conservative Kansas. In fact, we’ve already got our first inflammatory and patently false statement from an opposing legislator. Rep. Scott Schwab took time out of his day to insult seriously ill people everywhere by offering up this gem: "It has no benefit for pain management. All it does is make you crave another bag of chips." Obviously Mr. Schwab hasn’t spoken with the folks at the American Academy of HIV Medicine, American Public Health Association, American Nurses Association, and dozens of other medical and health organizations that support medical marijuana access.

Many legislators are starting to realize that medical marijuana has strong, bipartisan support from the public (81% of the public to be exact, including 72% of Republicans), and that marijuana has proven efficacy in treating pain, nausea, spasticity, loss of appetite, and other symptoms of serious, debilitating conditions. But as Mr. Schwab’s ignorance of the issue makes clear, we still need you to contact your elected officials and tell them that this bill is literally a life-and-death matter for many seriously ill Kansans. When you hear back from legislators, send their responses on to state@mpp.org so we can use this information in our lobbying efforts.

That’s not all. Check out our take action page for Kansas, where you can find tips on writing letters to the editor, or ways to stay informed on the latest news and events in the state. Also, if you’re a doctor or patient, or a member of law enforcement or clergy, please e-mail me to find out more about how you can bring your unique perspective to the legislature. And of course don’t forget to forward this email to your friends.

Thanks for all that you do!