Letter: Compassion Centers Can Change Lives
Kelly Powers
May 29, 2008
Warwick Beacon
Regarding "General Assembly: Senate votes to create medical marijuana dispensaries" (5/22/08), I thank the Senate for voting 29-6 for Compassion Centers for patients in the Medical Marijuana Program. Now, the House should do the same.
I am a licensed patient suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyagia, chronic anxiety and depression. I am a 34-year-old married mother of two young children. During the last year I have learned to regain control of my life that my debilitating illnesses disturbs daily. I can enjoy family activities and I educate my children with proper morals.
Last month, a Mason-Dixon poll found that almost 70 percent of Rhode Islanders agree that we should allow Compassion Centers. Our Warwick State Representative Joseph McNamara, chairman of the Health Education and Welfare Committee, should schedule a vote on this bill right away.
My main concern is safely obtaining the medicine that helps me maintain control. Compassion Centers would alleviate crime by letting us obtain medicine legally. A Compassion Center would relieve my fears of being robbed, beaten, raped or killed. I should have choices for obtaining my medicine, and the street shouldn’t be the answer!
One of our first life lessons is treating others as you want to be treated. How would you feel in my shoes? If your daughter was sick, would you rather she risked being beaten and raped, or would you rather she had a safe place for proper care? | 
