As a current Minnesota resident and former Californian who legally obtained marijuana there for medical use, I wish to thank Sen. Steve Kelley for helping our Legislature understand that seriously ill individuals who use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation should not have their lives further disrupted by the threat of unjustified arrest and imprisonment.
I suffer from the effects of advanced liver disease and several musculoskeletal conditions. I have tried numerous prescription medicines to alleviate pain and nausea but achieved little or no relief, or unhealthy side effects. Marijuana has been the only medicine I have found to ease my pain and restore my appetite. Most importantly, marijuana has been considerably less detrimental to my body than many of the analgesic and anti-nausea medicines I have tried. My choice is medical marijuana over liver failure or narcotic addiction.
Unfortunately, in Minnesota exercising this choice can invite arrest, prosecution and even imprisonment. Believe me; the last thing I need to worry about is landing in jail for taking the medicine that I need.
Last year's Zogby poll clearly shows that Minnesotans favor medical marijuana legislation by a 2-1 margin. The responsibility of our Legislature is to represent the will of the voters, and I have faith that the Minnesota Legislature will vote with compassion and common sense on SF 1973.
Don Haumant
ADVERTISEMENT
Minneapolis
