Medical professionals testify in favor of Ohio medical marijuana bill
Last update: November 20, 2008
Medical professionals testify in favor of Ohio medical marijuana bill
On November 19, the Ohio Senate Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice heard testimony from a doctor and two nurses in support of S.B. 343, the Ohio Compassionate Use Act. This compassionate legislation would allow patients and their caregivers to possess and grow marijuana to treat the patients' serious illnesses.
Although medical marijuana bills have been introduced in the past, this was the first time in recent memory that one has received a hearing with supportive medical professionals. Please take a moment now to contact your state senator and urge him or her to support S.B. 343.
Communication with constituents is one of the most decisive factors for legislators when considering an issue. It is particularly important that the members of the committee hear from their constituents. You can find the committee members here, and you can look up your state senator here. If your senator is a member of the committee, please take a moment to call his or her office and to politely and succinctly express your support for S.B. 343.
Medical marijuana patients and activists have been lobbying their legislators tirelessly in support of this bill. While the hearing today is an important step forward, it's imperative that legislators learn that there is widespread support for medical marijuana legislation. This hearing comes on the heels of Michigan voters making their state the first in the Midwest to allow the medical use of marijuana. Sixty-three percent of Michigan voters approved the medical marijuana initiative, including majorities in all 83 counties.
There is no excuse for this state to continue to label the seriously ill as criminals for relieving suffering. Please raise your voice to ask your legislators to alleviate the suffering of many Ohio patients suffering from cancer, AIDS, and other debilitating conditions. Please also pass this message along to friends, family, neighbors, and e-mail lists so that others can stand up for Ohio's most vulnerable residents.
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