This past Thursday, the debate over medical marijuana in Wisconsin was revived when state Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D- Middleton, and state Rep. Chris Taylor D- Madison, introduced the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuna Act. This act would legalize the usage of marijuana for patients with various debilitating conditions such as cancer and muscle seizures. Prior to Thursday, I knew very little about the usage of marijuana as a medicine. But after attending the press conference where the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuna Act was introduced, I decided to do some research on the positives and negatives of medical marijuana. I was astounded by what I found. Numerous doctors and experts all said the same thing: Marijuana has a healing effect unlike any other current medicine.
So why is it still illegal in a majority of states? It is because of misinformation. The public still does not know enough about the positive healing effects of marijuana; rather, it assumes that these people are just like recreational users who are trying to get high. Who can blame the public though? Most people have never met someone who uses marijuana as a healing substance. Hell, the federal government and the Drug Enforcement Agency still classify marijuana as a substance with “no accepted medicinal use and a high potential for abuse.” The fact of the matter is that neither of those ideas are true. I hope to dispel some of these myths and explain why I think medical marijuana is right for the state of Wisconsin.
The most common objection is the slippery slope objection or the belief that legalizing medical marijuana will allow anyone to use it. This is not the case in Wisconsin. Erpenbach was adamant when addressing this concern at the press conference and he continually stressed the reading of the text of the bill. After reading the text of the bill, I agree with the senator. The bill explicitly states that only people with “cancer, glaucoma, AIDS-HIV, post traumatic stress disorder, seizures, severe pain and nausea, and muscle spasms” can use it. This language is cut and clear, and it will ensure that only patients with these terribly painful conditions will be able to use marijuana. Critics might point to other states with relaxed stipulations to get a medical marijuana card, and they are right to do so. In many states such as Colorado, one of the first states to allow medical marijuana, it is notoriously easy to obtain a medical marijuana card. However, that will not be the case in Wisconsin. As stated previously, the act is tightly worded to only apply to people with the certain conditions. In addition, the act has received some support from law enforcement officials.
A common myth is that the marijuana used by these patients is just regular marijuana that can be obtained from black markets. This is not the case, and the marijuana used by patients is quite complex. The marijuana plants used by patients have been genetically engineered to maximize the healing effects and minimize the effects of getting high. Professionals do this by altering the chemical compound of the marijuana to limit the effects of THC, the chemical responsible for the “high” feeling, and maximize the healing effects. There are also specific strands of marijuana designed for specific conditions. This marijuana cannot be purchased anywhere. It will only be sold at state-regulated, non-profit centers, and trained individuals will staff these “compassionate care centers.” While it is unlikely to pass this current session, the Jacki Rickert Medical Marijuana Act is the right thing for the state of Wisconsin. The medical benefits are undeniable and hopefully in the future, the medicine needed for these patients will no longer be illegal.
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