Letter: Way is Clear for Medical Marijuana in Mass.
Lorraine Kerz
October 29, 2009
The Boston Globe (Massachusetts)
Recent news that the Obama administration has directed federal authorities not to prosecute medical marijuana patients has renewed my hope that soon we will have a medical marijuana program in Massachusetts.
In the past, bills introduced at the State House were voted down. Some politicians insisted that, although they wanted to help suffering patients, their hands were tied because they did not want to support a policy that would conflict with federal law. Now that excuse doesn’t exist. It’s time for politicians in Massachusetts to join the ranks of the 13 other states that have medical marijuana programs.
My 29-year-old son, Silas, died of lung cancer that had spread to his bones in 2008. After witnessing the brutal effects of this disease, I can’t imagine why our representatives wouldn’t allow patients access to any medicine that can reduce suffering if it is recommended by their doctor.
With the landslide approval of Question 2 last fall, and the recent announcement from the Department of Justice, I hope politicians realize that protecting medical marijuana patients is not politically risky. Rather, it is the right thing to do. | 
