Robert Celt
New Member
Missourians suffering from cancer, seizures, ALS, Parkinson's disease, debilitating pain and many other medical conditions often find themselves waiting for new treatments to be made available in hopes of getting relief. Without action from the Missouri legislature or by citizen petition, one proven treatment remains available only for those willing to work outside the law.
A bill proposed by Rep. Dave Hinson, a Republican from St. Clair, seeks to allow medical marijuana, and we believe his colleagues should get behind it.
There is plenty of research showing the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis to treat many conditions. Hinson's bill is thorough in its explanation of which conditions would make people eligible for a medical marijuana card.
It also puts forth plenty of protections to ensure the legality and safety of medicinal marijuana use.
The products would only be sold from licensed centers, which would be limited and would require operators to pass background checks.
The bill would also keep centers far from schools and other protected areas, require them to collect sales tax and create misdemeanors to punish illegal operation.
If Hinson's colleagues still have concerns, they can help craft changes.
What they cannot do is ignore this issue.
The stories of Missourians, including children, who are suffering every day continue to add up. Those people are leaving the state, choosing to skirt the law, or simply opting to suffer because we can't authorize a somewhat simple solution.
Drugs very often have negative side effects, especially if used incorrectly. Used recreationally, powerful painkillers are dangerous and addictive. Prescribed by a doctor, they can be integral to a patient's care.
There are petitions to put the question of medicinal cannabis to voters. The petition put forth by New Approach Missouri is the most reasonable, but it faces an uphill battle with the large number of required signatures.
As local Republic Rep. Kevin Austin said, a change by petition would change Missouri's constitution. He said he would prefer the law change via statute.
That's a fair point, and it's another reason lawmakers need to take this responsibility.
Too often, Missouri waits for the rest of the country to move forward before it makes necessary changes.
The need is clear and the safeguards have been identified. Lawmakers must act now to give relief to our family members, friends and neighbors who are suffering.
The health of Missourians should not be a political issue. Legislators should work together to make this necessary change.
If lawmakers fail to pick up the ball, we encourage voters to sign petitions and get this issue on the ballot.
One way or another, we have to find a legal way to make marijuana available for medicinal use.
We cannot abide the tremors caused by multiple sclerosis, the excruciating pain of a spinal patient or the terrifying seizures of a child – not when there's a solution so close to our reach.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: MO: Health Should Come First With Medical Cannabis
Author: Staff
Contact: Springfield News-Leader
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Springfield News-Leader
A bill proposed by Rep. Dave Hinson, a Republican from St. Clair, seeks to allow medical marijuana, and we believe his colleagues should get behind it.
There is plenty of research showing the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis to treat many conditions. Hinson's bill is thorough in its explanation of which conditions would make people eligible for a medical marijuana card.
It also puts forth plenty of protections to ensure the legality and safety of medicinal marijuana use.
The products would only be sold from licensed centers, which would be limited and would require operators to pass background checks.
The bill would also keep centers far from schools and other protected areas, require them to collect sales tax and create misdemeanors to punish illegal operation.
If Hinson's colleagues still have concerns, they can help craft changes.
What they cannot do is ignore this issue.
The stories of Missourians, including children, who are suffering every day continue to add up. Those people are leaving the state, choosing to skirt the law, or simply opting to suffer because we can't authorize a somewhat simple solution.
Drugs very often have negative side effects, especially if used incorrectly. Used recreationally, powerful painkillers are dangerous and addictive. Prescribed by a doctor, they can be integral to a patient's care.
There are petitions to put the question of medicinal cannabis to voters. The petition put forth by New Approach Missouri is the most reasonable, but it faces an uphill battle with the large number of required signatures.
As local Republic Rep. Kevin Austin said, a change by petition would change Missouri's constitution. He said he would prefer the law change via statute.
That's a fair point, and it's another reason lawmakers need to take this responsibility.
Too often, Missouri waits for the rest of the country to move forward before it makes necessary changes.
The need is clear and the safeguards have been identified. Lawmakers must act now to give relief to our family members, friends and neighbors who are suffering.
The health of Missourians should not be a political issue. Legislators should work together to make this necessary change.
If lawmakers fail to pick up the ball, we encourage voters to sign petitions and get this issue on the ballot.
One way or another, we have to find a legal way to make marijuana available for medicinal use.
We cannot abide the tremors caused by multiple sclerosis, the excruciating pain of a spinal patient or the terrifying seizures of a child – not when there's a solution so close to our reach.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: MO: Health Should Come First With Medical Cannabis
Author: Staff
Contact: Springfield News-Leader
Photo Credit: None found
Website: Springfield News-Leader