End Raids on Medical Marijuana Patients
Marijuana has been used to control pain for centuries, reducing serious symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. It has alleviated nausea and vomiting in cancer patients, treated wasting due to HIV/AIDS, combated muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis and more.
But in July, Congress failed to end raids on medical marijuana patients and caregivers in the 12 states where medical marijuana is legal. While the laws differ from state to state, they all protect patients and caregivers from criminal charges for their medicine.
It is now vital that we follow up with Congress to ensure that support for patients' rights continues to grow in 2008. Tell Congress to allow bona fide medical marijuana patients the health care they need!
Dear Representative [Last Name]:
I am writing to ask you to support patients' access to effective medicine, including medical marijuana in states where it is legal for treatment. It is important that we stop the raids, arrests, and prosecutions of patients who use medical marijuana in compliance with their state laws.
In July 2007, the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment received 165 votes, including 15 from Republicans. The solid and growing support for patients' access to medical marijuana is in part due to the numerous well-respected health care organizations that have expressed their support for medical marijuana patients.
The American Nurses Association passed a resolution in 2003 supporting "legislation to remove criminal penalties including arrest and imprisonment for bona fide [medical marijuana] patients." Other public health organizations that have endorsed medical marijuana policy reform include the American Public Health Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Lancet Oncology, and many others.
In light of the widespread support for medical marijuana and the recognition of its benefits by institutions committed to improving health care, I urge you to support legislation that helps medical marijuana patients and their caregivers in 2008.
[Your Comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
